§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the hopsitals and other units in Northern Ireland that are seeking self-governing status and say what steps they now propose to take.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Skelmersdale)Formal application to become a self-governing trust can be invited only after Parliament has approved the necessary Northern Ireland legislation. However, to date the following have expressed an interest in achieving self-governing status:—
Downe Hospital, Downpatrick
The Royal Group of Hospitals
The Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospital Unit of Management.
The management executive for the health and personal social services will be discussing expressions of interest with sponsors with a view to identifying which candidates might be supported.