§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give details about the consultation which will precede the establishment of self-governing trusts; and if he will give(a) when consultations will begin, (b) how long they will last for, (c) who will be involved, (d) how they will be monitored and (e) where the results will be published.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyApplications for NHS trust status will not be invited until after parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation. The relevant region876W will publicise the proposals and make arrangements for consultation. It will be for regions to determine how best to do this. However, in general we would expect consultation to last for a period of three months. We expect regions to seek the views of those with an interest, particularly the health authorities concerned, staff at the unit, general practitioners, community health councils and the local community. Regions will forward applications, responses received during consultation, and any comments they may have on them to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State so that he can consider them with the application. If my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State decides to approve an application he will make an order to establish the trust.