§ 32. Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications from national health service hospitals for self-governing status he expects to receive in 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have no idea as the initiative to apply for NHS trust status comes from the hospitals themselves. So far, there have been seven expressions of interest, one of which I have indicated cannot go ahead. Two applications for trust status have been received. NHS trusts offer an opportunity for hospitals to be returned to the communities they serve while remaining part of the NHS but with decisions being taken at hospital level.