The decision to second an employee to another organisation is a local employment matter and is taken by the employer concerned. Sourcing and approving any particular secondment are operational matters for the trusts involved. University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay is a Foundation Trust and as such the Department has no involvement in employment decisions of this nature. We are advised no consultations were held with Monitor, NHS England or the Care Quality Commission on the decision to request a secondment to the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We have written to John Cowdall, chair of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust informing him of the hon. Member's inquiry. He will reply shortly and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.