§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary was invited to meet the staff side officers of the Joint Staff Consultative Council for the Welsh health service to discuss industrial relations in some NHS trusts; what was his response; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesA meeting was proposed in a letter dated 6 April. NHS trusts have operational freedom to manage their own affairs, including the conduct of industrial relations with staff interests. The matters raised should be discussed with the NHS trusts concerned and a meeting with me would not be helpful. My private secretary replied accordingly on 28 April.