§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent it is his policy that there should be a presumption that appointments of non-executive directors to NHS directorships should be made from candidates living within the trust's area; in what circumstances candidates from outside the area may be(a) shortlisted and (b) appointed; and if he will make a statement. [14733]
§ Mr. MilburnUnder the Government's new procedures candidates are expected to live in the area served by the trust involved. This will apply to all current postholders seeking reappointment as well as new candidates. Only in exceptional circumstances would we be prepared to depart from this stipulation. For example, 381W where there are severe local recruitment problems; when a particularly strong candidate has demonstrated in some other way their commitment to the local community; or where there is someone living only just outside the core area served by the trust whom it might be sensible to appoint.