§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will state the numbers of members of regional and district health authorities in England and Wales who are currently(a) directly appointed by him, (b) appointed by his appointees and (c) appointed by elected statutory bodies; and what will be the comparable numbers for regional and district health authorities and new bodies after implementation of his current proposals.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend is presently responsible for the appointment of 234 members of regional health authorities in England. The majority of members of English district health authorities, 2,348, are appointed by regional health authorities with a smaller number, 862, appointed by local authorities.
Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation, my right hon. and learned Friend will appoint the five non-executive members of each RHA and up to three non-executive directors of each NHS hospital trust. The relevant RHA will appoint the five non-executive members of each DHA and at least two non-executive directors of each NHS hospital trust.
Each RHA and DHA will have up to five executive members. Of these, the general manager will be appointed by the chairman and the non-executive members; and the remainder by the chairman and the non-executive members acting with the general manager. NHS hospital trusts will have up to five executive directors. Of these, the general manager will be appointed by the chairman and non-executive directors, and the remainder by the chairman and non-executive directors acting with the general manager.
The appointment of members of DHAs in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.