§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of 573W Clause 171 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill; and if he will make a statement. [113461]
§ Mr. BoatengThe provisions of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill will help deliver greater freedoms to high performing hospitals and trusts, as announced by the Chancellor in his Budget Statement on 17 April 2002. This is in line with the Government's policy of encouraging greater devolution in the delivery of public services to Departments and to front line organisations, within a clear framework of national standards and expenditure limits.