§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the main duties and responsibilities of the corporate affairs intelligence unit, NHS ME, based in Leeds; how many people are employed there full-time and part-time; what is the budget for 1993 and estimated budget for each of the next three years; what funding comes from departmental budgets other than her own; arid if she will make a statement;
(2) when the corporate affairs intelligence unit, NHS ME in Leeds was established; what consultants arid advisers it has used since it was established and what is the total cost of such retention; what is the total cost of entertainment, travel and other facilities to journalists and others since it was established; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe corporate affairs intelligence unit was established on 30 September 1991. Its duties, which were previously undertaken by the Department's regional liaison division, include the preparation of draft replies for Ministers and the national health service management executive on matters concerning the NHS that are not appropriate for referral to NHS authorities and trusts, and the preparation of briefing for parliamentary questions, early-day motions, invitations, etc. It supports Ministers and the management executive in their contact with the NHS in each region. The unit is also responsible for advising Ministers on the appointment of chairmen and members of NHS authorities and trusts.
On 1 February 1993, there were 53 full-time staff in the unit, and three temporary typists. The unit has a manpower budget of about El million for 1993–94, the same as that for 1992–93; estimates have not been prepared for future years. All funding comes from Department of Health budgets.
Since its inception, the unit has received advice and guidance from a number of sources including the Department's information division. PA Consulting Group assisted with setting up and running a number of training workshops for the unit staff. The value of the contract with PA Consulting Group is commercially confidential.
The unit is staffed by civil servants, none of whom is authorised to speak to journalists, and does not provide entertainment, travel or other facilities to them. The unit has a hospitality budget of some £1,800 which is used, in the main, to provide refreshments to people from outside the Department attending meetings with the unit.