§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to require applicants for posts in health authorities, hospital trusts and primary care trusts to disclose membership of secret societies; and if he will make a statement. [63329]
§ Mr. HuttonWe have recently issued a health service circular on pre and post appointment checks for all persons working in the NHS in England (HSC 2002/008). The circular instructs national health service employers to carry out a range of checks on applicants for posts in the NHS, including the taking up of references, criminal record checks where appropriate and occupational health checks. We have no plans to extend these checks.