§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department gives to health authorities and trusts regarding employment contracts with particular reference to clauses designated to prevent staff speaking to the media.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWhere explicit clauses on safeguarding confidentiality are included in individual contracts of employment, they must not conflict with the principles set out in the advice "Guidance for staff on relations with the public and the media" EL(93)51, issued recently by Sir Duncan Nichol to all health authorities and trusts. A copy of the guidance is available in the Library.