§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives to health authorities 561W and trusts about committing themselves to legal actions; and what procedures exist to (a) monitor and (b) audit the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of such actions. [31509]
§ Mr. MilburnNational Health Service trusts and health authorities have a legal duty to ensure public money is properly spent and are duty bound to exercise value for money. They have access to legal advice which will help them make judgments on whether any action they propose would be a good use of public funds. The decision whether or not to proceed with legal action is a matter for local discussion, which is taken after considering all the facts available at the time. No guidance has been issued by the Department on this issue.
§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives to health authorities and trusts on payment of costs incurred by employees summoned to answer charges brought by professional health bodies. [31510]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Department has not issued central guidance on this subject, which is a matter for local management decision.
§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the expenditure of the North and East Devon Health Authority and its predecessors on legal and other costs connected with its disputes with Mrs. Carol Rudd and other associated UKCC proceedings. [31508]
§ Mr. MilburnThe South and West Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive have investigated the expenditure of North and East Devon Health Authority and its predecessor in connection with its disputes with Mrs. Carol Rudd and are satisfied that the expenditure was lawful and proper.