§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on appointments to health boards in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe Welsh chapter of the White Paper "Working for Patients" announced that in making non-executive appointments to district health authorities there would be a strong emphasis on leadership and top-level management qualities. That remains the position. Persons are appointed on the strength of the skills and experience they can bring to the work of an authority and not because they represent particular organisations or interests.
Executive members of authorities are members either by virtue of the post they hold or because, in accordance with the relevant legislation, they have been appointed by the chairman, non-executive members and the general manager acting jointly.