Mr. HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Cheshire and Merseyside strategic health authority spent on obtaining legal advice in 2002–03; and if he will break down the advice by categories of subject. [112412]
§ Jacqui SmithThe total amount spent on legal advice by Cheshire and Merseyside strategic health authority (SHA) in 2002–03 was £65,708.90. This advice covered employment advice for transitional arrangements for staff transferring to new organisations, and lease arrangements for the SHA headquarters in Warrington.