HC Deb 22 February 1994 vol 238 cc215-6W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are issued on the commercial activity of chairmen of family health services authorities; and if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. Athelston Sealey.

Mr. Sackville

There is no limitation on the freedom of chairmen of family health services authorities to pursue private interests provided that they observe scrupulously the regulations governing the disclosure of any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any matter under consideration by their authorities. They may not take part in the consideration or discussion of that matter or vote on any question related to it.

Codes of conduct and accountability will be issued to national health service boards with effect from 1 April 1994, reaffirming these regulations. It is proposed that relevant interests should be declared and recorded in board minutes, that directorships and other significant interests held by NHS board members should be declared on appointment, kept up to date and set out in the annual report, and that all declared interests should be drawn to the attention of auditors.