Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2012.

NHS: Advertising and Marketing

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord McNally on 20 March (Official Report, col. 761) on advertising referral fees in hospitals, (1) what they consider to be ““authorised marketing””, (2) what was the position on marketing that the chief executive expressed to NHS managers, (3) what guidance they intend to give to NHS managers, and (4) how much income is derived by NHS hospitals from these ““authorised marketing”” activities.

Answer: Authorised marketing means marketing which is approved by the board of the National Health Service organisation concerned to take place in its premises. There are no statutory regulations in place in this area, and no directions have been issued from the Secretary of State to NHS trusts and primary care trusts on these matters. The Secretary of State has no powers to direct foundation trusts. Guidance has recently been issued by the NHS chief executive to NHS organisations, copied for information only to foundation trusts. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library. Information about income from such sources is not available centrally.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16611; 736 c273-4WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Proceeding contributions
House of Lords
Subjects: NHS Marketing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk