§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Department is intending to remove the funding advantages that would be given to foundation hospitals in the south east, and other areas of high prices, from the sale of land and property. [106809]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 8 April 2003]: The establishment of the national health service foundation trusts will not reduce the amount of capital available for developing NHS services for NHS patients. Proceeds from NHS trust asset sales are not added to central funds but instead remain in the local health economy. The creation of NHS foundation trusts will not therefore reduce the central funding available to the NHS. There will be no unfair funding advantages that will accrue to asset rich trusts.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the likely effect on recruitment in the NHS in Wales of the establishment of foundation hospitals in England adjacent to the Welsh border. [118044]
§ Mr. HuttonStaff already move between national health service organisations throughout the United Kingdom. NHS foundation trusts established in England will operate the same national pay and conditions of service agreements under Agenda for Change as other parts of the NHS, including NHS bodies in Wales.