HC Deb 11 September 2003 vol 410 cc470-1W
Mr. Seamus Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make an assessment of compliance by each health trust with the directive on assessment of equality implications and market testing of 19 June 2001. [125904]

Angela Smith

A recent review of HSS trusts, showed that a broad range of approaches have been or are being developed to ensure compliance with the policy in the Department's Circular HSS (F) 27/2001, dated 29 June 2001, and entitled "Market Testing: Assessment of Equality Implications and other Related Matters". It is felt that trusts have taken forward their obligations under this policy in a correct and meaningful manner.

Mr. Seamus Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the directive to health trusts regarding assessment of equality implications and market testing of 19 June 2001 remains in force. [125906]

Angela Smith

The policy contained in the Departmental Circular HSS(F)27/2001, dated 29 June 2001, entitled "Market Testing: Assessment of Equality Implications and Other Related Matters" remains in force.

Mr. Seamus Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what alterations and revocations there have been of the directive to health trusts of 19 June 2001, regarding assessment of equality implications and market testing, since 14 October 2002. [125907]

Angela Smith

Since 14 October 2002, there have been no alterations or revocations to the policy contained in the Departmental Circular HSS (F) 27/2001, dated 29 June 2001, and entitled "Market Testing: Equality Implications and Other Related Matters".

Forward to