§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce the results of his consideration of applicants for self-governing status so far received for the south-western region.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeEach NHS trust application will be the subject of a three- month public consultation. I shall announce my decision on each application after I have had an opportunity to consider the outcome of the public consultation. I expect therefore to announce my decision on the first NHS trusts in November 1990.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if staff employed by a potential national health service trust will be included in the three-month public consultation exercise which will follow each application to become a national health service trust.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have consistently made it clear that we expect staff of potential trusts to be among those consulted by the regional health authority on an application for trust status.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will extend the consultation period in relation to the submission of views to him concerning hospitals in Bradford becoming a self-governing trust; if he will list the individuals and organisations to whom the application prospectus has been sent; what is the total cost of the production, printing and distribution of the prospectus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe believe that three months should be ample time for public consultation on NHS trust applications. Regional health authorities are responsible for managing such consultations. The hon. Member may wish to contact Yorkshire RHA for information on the management of the consultation in Bradford.