§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has on any formal or informal expressions of interest in the establishment of a National Health Service trust by(a) any hospital in Wales and (b) any health authority; and if he will list the bodies that have expressed any such interest.
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend has received no formal expression of interest to date. It would not be appropriate to list informal expressions of interest which may or may not have formalised.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make it his policy to allow the individuals and communities affected by any hospital or health authority opt-out proposals in Wales to take the final decision themselves;
(2) if he will set out in full the requirements and pattern of consultation to be followed if any health authority in Wales or any hospital in Wales seeks to consider establishing a National Health Service trust.
§ Mr. GristAny application for self governing status will be the subject of consultation with interested parties, including, in particular, the health authorities concerned, hospital staff, general practitioners, community health councils and the local community. Detailed arrangements for consultation will depend on the nature of any particular applications received and decisions will take into account the comments of all consultees.