§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the present financial situation of each of the proposed health trusts and the expected situation at the end of the financial year; and what measures the new trusts intend to take to maintain their financial viability and service position.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Department does not, as a matter of routine, receive information about the financial position of individual district health authority-managed units at the level of detail requested. However, one of the key criteria for NHS trust status is financial soundness; and the financial position of applicants was therefore considered carefully prior to my right hon. Friend's recent decision to establish a further 13 NHS trusts in Wales with an operational date of 1 April 1993. In the meantime, the respective health authorities retain full responsibility for the proper financial management of the units concerned.
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§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what system of communication he has in place with the recently announced health trusts to ensure that no problems arise in the transition out of health authority administration with regard to the level of patient treatment and financial viability.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesOfficials will continue to maintain close contact with the newly established NHS trusts which become formally operational on 1 April 1993. In the meantime, the respective health authorities retain responsibility for financial management and patient care services.