§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what pilot exercises or investigations were undertaken by or on behalf of his Department into the cost to a hospital or unit of preparing a bid for trust status; and if he will give a breakdown of the major elements within the total.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThis is for potential applicants to consider as part of their business planning and will vary according to local needs and circumstances.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the maximum sum available from his Department's finances to any single hospital or unit to assist in preparing a bid for trust status;
(2) if he will list the criteria being used by his Department in order to decide whether to grant money to any hospital in Wales towards drawing up an application for trust status.
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§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIf a hospital or health service unit is invited to prepare an application for NHS trust status, any subsequent bid for financial assistance to help with the process will be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the figure given or offered by his Department to each hospital in Wales towards the costs of drawing up an application for trust status.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettA contribution of £50,000 was made available to Pembrokeshire health authority to help towards costs incurred in preparing the application, associated printing and during the consultation period.