§ 55. Mr. LitherlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of district health authorities in the north-west expressing an interest in hospitals opting-out.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is too early to do so. Mr. Duncan Nichol, the chief executive of the National Health Service, has asked for outline expressions of interest relating to proposals for self-governing hospitals within the NHS to come to my Department through RHAs, by 31 May.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will now withdraw his proposals for the opting-out of hospitals from the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) earlier today.