§ Mr. Michael MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the mechanism proposed under the National Health Service White Paper provisions to enable hospitals to become self-governing; and how a majority view of those working in the hospitals will be obtained.
§ Mr. MellorThe process for establishing an NHS hospital trust will be as simple and flexible as possible. The chief executive of the NHS management board wrote to all regional general managers on 14 March about the preparation of initial expressions of interest; a copy of that letter (reference: EL(89)MB/58) has been placed in the Library of the House. Further guidance will be provided in due course. Staff will be given opportunities to express views on applications; the precise arrangements for this will be determined locally.