20. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest number of expressions of interest in applying for national health service trust status among hospitals in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Pembrokeshire NHS trust became operational on 1 April. We announced on 19 December 1991 that 14 health units in Wales had been invited to prepare applications to become NHS trusts in April 1993. These applications are expected shortly and there will be widespread consultation before any decisions are taken.
Elsewhere in Wales, the decision whether to seek NHS trust status is a matter for individual health units, in the light of local circumstances.