§ 21. Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what benefits there are for hospitals which choose to become National Health Service hospital trusts.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNational Health Service trusts will have substantial freedom to manage their own affairs. In particular, they will be free to determine the terms and conditions of service of the staff they employ, to acquire, own and dispose of assets, to borrow money and to retain surpluses. These freedoms will enable trusts to improve the quality of the health care services which they provide and to respond flexibly and effectively to the needs of National Health Service patients.
§ 68. Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how services to patients will be affected in those hospitals which choose to become National Health Service hospital trusts.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNational Health Service trusts will remain fully part of the National Health Service, but will be given substantial freedom to manage their own affairs. We intend that they should use their powers to improve the quality of the health care which they provide and to respond flexibly and effectively to the needs of general practitioners and National Health Service patients.