To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many posts in the National Health Service are either nominated by him or need his consultation before they are filled.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State does not nominate, nor is he consulted upon, the appointment of staff to posts in the National Health Service. Employment matters are entirely the responsibility of individual health authorities. So far as the appointment of chairmen and members of health authorities are concerned, details of those for which my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State is responsible were given in my reply to the hon. Member for Leicester, East on 12 December 1989 at columns 623-24.