§ 33. Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the proposals for opting out by hospitals in central Manchester.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe decision on whether or not to prepare a formal application for National Health Service trust status, when Parliament has approved the necessary legislation, is a matter for the sponsors of the expression of interest in the unit concerned. There is no question of any hospital "opting out" of the National Health Service.