HC Deb 28 March 2001 vol 365 c667W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy on the employment by the NHS of MS nurses whose salaries are paid by drugs companies. [155248]

Mr. Denham

Employers have to satisfy themselves that sponsorship arrangements are properly conducted and are in the best interests of the National Health Service. Guidance entitled "Commercial Sponsorship: Ethical Standards for the NHS" was issued by the Department in November 2000. This guidance supplemented and updated "Health Service Guidance 1993(5) Standards of Business Conduct for NHS Staff" which was issued in January 1993.

Copies of the "Commercial Sponsorship: Ethical Standards for the NHS" guidance are being placed in the Library—a copy of HSG 1993(5) is already there.