§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the recruitment agencies used by the NHS have not signed up to the code of practice on ethical recruitment. [150658]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 26 January 2004]: The Department does not hold a list of agencies used by the national health service when recruiting overseas. NHS trusts should use only those commercial agencies which comply with the code of practice and which are listed on the Department's website.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) steps his Department is taking and (b) guarantees his Department seeks to ensure that the NHS does not employ recruitment agencies that have not signed up to its code of practice on ethical recruitment. [150659]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 26 January 2004]: National health service trusts should use only those commercial agencies which comply with the code of practice and which are listed on the Department's website.
Strategic health authorities are working with trusts to ensure they comply with the code of practice and only work with agencies which are compliant.