§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will delay consideration of the candidates for the chairmanship of the new strategic health authorities until after he has confirmed the boundaries of these authorities; and if he will make a statement. [8630]
§ Ms BlearsThe recruitment and appointment of chairs to the new health authorities is a matter for the National Health Service Appointments Commission. I understand that they have already begun the recruitment and selection procedure. However, they will not be able to make substantive appointments until the consultation period has ended, the boundaries of the authorities have been agreed, and the relevant Establishment Orders have been agreed by Parliament.