§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on how she will advertise vacant chief executive and chairmen posts in regional health authorities before such authorities are reduced in number.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe selection of chief executives is a matter for each individual authority, although it is our general expectation that most senior national health service managerial posts should be advertised. We do not consider it appropriate or necessary to advertise for candidates for appointment as chairman of a regional health authority, as there are many suitable ones already known to us both in other NHS bodies and from outside the NHS.