HC Deb 29 April 1993 vol 223 cc492-3W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the special circumstances under paragraph 9(3) of schedule 5 to the National Health Service Act 1977 which led her to make a compensation payment to the former chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority on the termination of his appointment.

Dr. Mawhinney

The decision to offer a compensation payment took account of the fact that Sir James Ackers resigned from the position of chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority 18 months before his term of office was due to expire; and that in his 10 years of service considerable progress was made, particularly in carrying out many major hospital developments; waiting lists have fallen dramatically and a record number of patients are now being treated.