§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he is satisfied that there will not be a conflict of interest in cases where the same solicitor is acting for both parties when drawing up a purchaser/provider contract for patient services;
(2) what guidance is given to health authorities and national health service trusts on the use of solicitors when drawing up purchaser/provider contracts for patient services under section 4 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyA decision on whether to use solicitors when drawing up national health service contracts is for health service bodies themselves. No guidance has been issued.
Whether a solicitor should be prepared to act for both parties, and whether there is a potential conflict of interest, is a question of professional conduct.