HC Deb 26 October 1989 vol 158 c583W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will accord pilot study status to those hospitals that first become self-governing trusts.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The early schemes will provide valuable, practical experience on how best to set up and manage self-governing NHS trusts and this will guide later developments.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he expects any acute hospitals to express an interest in becoming self-governing.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

My right hon. and learned Friend looks forward to receiving expressions of interest from a wide range of types of hospital and services within the NHS, including acute hospitals.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the policy outlined in Scottish Working Paper No. 3 that self-governing status is likely to be particularly appropriate to major acute hospitals providing a reasonably comprehensive service, remains the case.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Yes, but all hospitals and a number of other services are potentially eligible.