HC Deb 02 May 1995 vol 259 c173W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if undischarged bankrupts are eligible for appointment as chairmen, chief executives or directors of NHS authorities or trusts. [20688]

Mr. Malone

A person is disqualified for appointment as a chairman or member of a national health service authority or as a chairman or non-executive director of an NHS trust if he or she has within the preceding five years been adjudged bankrupt. The disqualification ceases on the date of discharge. Executive directors of NHS trusts and chief officers of health authorities are not subject to the same disqualification, but NHS boards are accountable for the proper appointment, appraisal and remuneration of senior executives. As in all their functions, the board must have regard to the public service values of accountability, probity and openness.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if persons with criminal records are eligible for appointment as chief executives or directors to NHS trusts. [20699]

Mr. Malone

National health service trust boards are accountable for the proper appointment, appraisal and remuneration of their senior executives and, as in all their functions, boards must have regard to the public service values of accountability, probity and openness. Executive directors of NHS trusts are not subject to the conditions of disqualification set out in the NHS Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990, which preclude the appointment as chairmen and non-executive directors of anyone who has within the preceding five years been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence resulting in a sentence of imprisonment of not less than three months.