§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals being considered for self-governing status, have academic, medical or scientific staff working at them918W with honorary appointments; and what arrangements he has made with the related university authority to ensure that the teaching and research work of academic staff continues and develops.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyUntil Parliament has approved the necessary legislation, no units will be considered for NHS trust status. However 190 units have expressed interest, including 80 which I understand are likely to be in a position to apply for NHS trust status in April 1991. A number of the units expressing interest include hospitals with significant connections with university, medical and dental schools; all of these might therefore be expected to have working at them clinical academic staff with honorary NHS contracts.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health will continue to be responsible for the provision of clinical services for medical education and research. The NHS and Community Care Bill, currently before the House, empowers NHS trusts to provide teaching, training and research. We are also receiving advice from the steering group on undergraduate medical and dental education, which contains representatives of all the main bodies with responsibility for undergraduate medical and dental education.