§ 27. Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications he has received from hospitals in Wales for opting out of the present arrangements in order to form trusts.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesNational health service trusts are, and will remain, an integral part of the national health service. To date, 14 health service units in Wales have formally applied to become national health service trusts in April 1993. As the House will be aware, I have already announced details on the applications received together with the timetable for statutory public consultation. Decisions on the applications are expected in the autumn.