§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the hospitals which have applied to him expressing an interest in becoming self-governing trusts.
§ Mr. MellorI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply of 8 May to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) at column321.
86W
§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to organise a ballot of the residents of Bassetlaw to decide whether they are in favour of the Bassetlaw hospital, Worksop, being run as a self-governing trust.
§ Mr. MellorNo, but if an application for self-governing status is made, I will look to Trent regional health authority to seek the views of all those with an interest, including local residents.
§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the proposed hospital trusts will be allowed to retain the proceeds from any asset sales.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes, since the assets will be vested in the trusts. The Secretary of State will have a reserve power to prevent the sale of an asset if, in his opinion, the disposal would be against the public interest.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations have taken place between the Walsall health authority and his Department concerning hospitals in the Walsall area opting out of the existing National Health Service management structure.
§ Mr. MellorNone, but if a formal application is made for hospitals in Walsall to become self-governing I will look to West Midlands RHA to seek the views of all interested parties.