§ Mr. SymsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the number of NHS trusts in existence(a) on 1 May 1997 and (b) at present. [29855]
§ Mr. GalbraithOn 1 May 1997 there were 47 NHS Trusts in Scotland. This remains the current position. The recently published White Paper "Designed to Care" sets out our proposals for a reduction in the number of Trusts operating within the NHS in Scotland.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to announce proposals for restructuring health boards and trusts in Scotland. [29951]
§ Mr. GalbraithThe recently published White Paper "Designed to Care" sets out the Government's proposals for restructuring the NHS in Scotland. Detailed proposals for the configuration of NHS Trusts will be the subject of public consultation starting soon in the light of the principles set out in the White Paper.