§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to produce a register of interests for chairmen of district and regional health authorities.
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§ Mr. MellorNo, it is not necessary. The statutory position on this is quite clear. Under regulation 14 (1) of the NHS (Regional and District Health Authorities Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1983 a chairman or member of a health authority is required to declare any pecuniary interest, direct or otherwise, in any contract or other matter which is the subject of consideration by the health authority. He may not then take part in any consideration or discussion of the contract (or other matter) or vote in any question in respect of it.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the names of all British regional and district health authority chairmen indicating the length of time in which these persons have held office.
§ Mr. MellorThe information requested for regional and district health authority chairmen in England has been placed in the Library. The appointment of health authority chairmen in Scotland is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and in Wales and Northern Ireland, of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland.