To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the unit general managers serving health authorities in Wales are bound by fixed-term contracts; and whether any guidance is given by his Department as to the length of such contracts or the procedure for renewing such contracts.

All unit general managers in health authorities in Wales are appointed on short-term rolling contracts of between three and five years. Guidance on appointment procedures, the content, length and renewal of contracts and other related matters was initially issued in 1984 and again in 1986.