§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when regulations on ethical investment policy for hospital trusts and health authorities will be likely to come into force; and if they will restrict investment in companies connected with the arms trade; [114219]
(2) if he will list those hospital trusts and health authorities which invest pension funds and donations in companies known to have connections with the arms trade. [114218]
§ Mr. DenhamHealth authorities do not invest Exchequer funds in companies. National Health Service trusts can invest surplus funds only in institutions approved by the NHS Executive, and from 1 April 2000 will be able to invest only in the Office of the Paymaster General.
NHS trusts and health authorities do not hold pension funds. Contributions to the NHS Pension Scheme are paid to the Exchequer, which meets the cost of scheme benefits as required.
Charitably-donated funds are administered by trustees, who are responsible for investment decisions concerning these funds. Trustees operate within charity legislation, and Health Ministers properly have no powers to influence trustees' decisions.