§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to primary care trusts about the timing of consultations on changes to services during local council election campaigns; and if he will make a statement. [108142]
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§ Mr. HuttonThe Department has not issued any guidance specifically about the timing of consultations on changes to services during local council election campaigns. However, the National Health Service Chief Executive Bulletin Number 7 (March 2003), which was sent to all strategic health authority (SHA) and primary care trust (PCT) chief executives, included a reference to the local election purdah and drew attention to Cabinet Office guidance on the conduct of public servants during election periods. SHAs are expected to ensure that PCTs in their areas undertaking consultations have regard to the guidance.