§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what public consultation he proposes concerning Lynfield Mount hospital in Bradford becoming a national health service trust; what view has been expressed by Bradford health authority, the Yorkshire regional health authority or Bradford community health council; to whom consultants, doctors, nurses and other health workers and the general public may object; and if he will ensure that no action to issue any prospectus is taken until he has taken a decision concerning the application for Bradford acute hospital services becoming a national health service trust.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not received an application from Lynfield Mount hospital to become a national health service trust. The decision on whether, and if so when, to submit an application is a matter for local decision. If an application is made my right hon. Friend will direct Yorkshire regional health authority to consult the local community health council and such other bodies or persons as it considers appropriate and report the results of consultation to my right hon. Friend. It will be for the regional health authority to decide the range of interests to be consulted formally, but we have made it clear that this should include relevant health authorities, family health service authorities; staff in the proposed trust; local GPs; the local community and local Members of Parliament.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many submissions he has received to date concerning the establishment of a national health service trust in Bradford; how many(a) supported the establishment of such a trust, (b) opposed such a proposal, (c) urged him to defer any decision and (d) expressed no view; if he will list the names of the individuals/organisations who made the submissions referred to at (a), (b), (c) and (d); and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyYorkshire regional health authority has been responsible for undertaking consultation on the application for Bradford hospitals to become a national health service trust. The hon. Member may wish to ask the region for information on the views of those who commented on the application. All comments are publicly available except where the commentator has requested that his comments should be treated as confidential.