§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if NHS trust chief executives are bound by the same rules concerning public statements as are their staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRules of individual conduct are a contractual matter between an employee and the employing trust.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance is given to the chairmen and chief executives of NHS health hoards and trusts concerning public political comments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIt is one of the conditions of appointment of chairmen of health hoards and NHS trusts that they should not make political speeches on matters affecting the work of their hoard. The conditions of employment of NHS trust chief executives and hoard general managers of health hoards are a contractual matter between an employee and the employer.