HC Deb 25 April 1994 vol 242 cc57-8W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what information he had regarding, and what consideration he gave to, the departure of Geoffrey Drake from his employment at Penrhyn quarries before appointing him chairman of the Gwynedd acute hospitals trust;

(2) if he appointed executive selection consultants in relation to the appointment of the post of chairman of the Gwynedd acute hospitals trust; and what references were (a) sought and (b) received in relation to Mr. Geoffrey Drake the previous managing director of the Pertrhyn quarries subsidiary of Sir Alfred McAlpine plc. by himself and any such executive selection consultants concerning the post;

(3) what consultations he had with the management of the Sir Alfred McAlpine Group prior to, and in relation to, the appointment of Mr. Geoffrey Drake as chairman of the Gwynedd acute hospitals trust.

Mr. Redwood

Executive search consultants were not involved in the appointment of Mr. Drake to chair the Gwynedd hospitals NHS trust. In selecting candidates for appointment, the Department makes such inquiries about individuals and undertakes such consultations as seem appropriate in each case. To disclose what those were in regard to Mr. Drake would be to breach the confidence of those involved.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received in relation to the suitability of Mr. Geoffrey Drake as chairman of the Gwynedd acute hospitals trust(a) before his appointment and (b) since his appointment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) on 4 March,Official Report, column 910. Since that date I have received, and replied to, two further letters from the hon. Member about Mr. Drake's appointment.