To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is empowered to make appointments to senior posts with district health authorities; and what conditions are placed on the appointment procedure, in particular the extent of advertising such posts inside and outside the NHS and the drawing up of a sufficient shortlist of appropriately qualified candidates.

The relevant employing authority is the body empowered to make appointments to senior posts with district health authorities. Guidelines have been issued by the Department to the chairmen of the health authorities advising on advertising, short-listing, interviewing, final selection, and appointment procedures.Unless there were exceptional circumstances, we would expect all NHS posts, including those at senior management level, to be advertised both inside and outside the NHS, and to be openly competitive.