§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to receive recommendations from the NHS executive, west midlands region, for the appointment of a chairman of the new South Staffordshire health authority; [5502]
(2) if he will examine the consultation procedures and periods adopted by the NHS executive, west midlands region, leading to their recommendation for a chairman for the new South Staffordshire health authority; [5503]
(3) what guidance is issued regarding the consultation period and names to be considered for appointment of chairmen to the new health authorities. [5501]
§ Mr. MaloneMinisters are now considering regional chairmen's recommendations on the appointment of chairmen to the new health authorities.
The regional chairmen followed the guidance on appointments procedures published by my Department in February this year, together with supplementary guidance prepared in response to the Nolan committee's recommendations. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.
Local Members of Parliament were consulted on all candidates recommended to Ministers.