§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid by(a) regional health authorities, (b) district health authorities, and (c) trusts for the relocation costs of newly employed managers; and what is the average amount paid to each manager, for each year since 1989.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to ensure that health authorities and trusts do not exceed their powers in the payment of relocation expenses for newly appointed managers.
§ Mr. SackvilleRelocation expenses for all staff, including managers, who work for health authorities and those working for national health service trusts on national terms and conditions of service are governed by section 26 of the General Whitley Council handbook, copies of which are available in the Library. The agreement, which took effect last year, allows employers to reimburse any reasonable costs incurred by an employee on relocating to a new area and does not lay down specific limits.
Under the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, trusts have the freedom to make their own terms and conditions of service. Trusts, however, have every incentive to keep costs to a minimum in this area thereby increasing the amount of resources available for patient care.