HC Deb 25 June 1990 vol 175 cc88-9W
Mr. David Young

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to receive a report from the Bolton family practitioner committee of the inquiry into the financial background and other related matters of its general manager; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he has any plans to change the reference and vetting procedures for recruitment of officials to posts involving responsibility for public resources to require that their past financial and other relevant history is available to the interviewing committee.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I understand that Bolton family practitioner committee dismissed its general manager on 14 June with immediate effect. This decision was a matter for the committee as employing authority.

Under the terms of health circular HC(FP)(89)9, which governs FPC general manager appointments, regional health authorities were asked to provide a complete service to family practitioner committees for the recruitment and appointment process. This service was provided to Bolton family practitioner committee by the North Western regional health authority. I understand that the authority is re-examining the procedures applied in this case. If more general lessons emerge, we shall ensure they are brought to the attention of other national health service authorities.

A copy of health circular HC(FP)(89)9 has been placed in the Library.