§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will outline the timetable to be used for units in the second wave of national health service trust applications, giving the date by which(a) units should apply and (b) decisions on suitability will be made at regional level; and if he will outline the consultation procedure which will be used by regions for second wave applicants.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyA unit can apply at any time to be an NHS trust. The NHS management executive has produced an indicative timetable for units wishing to become trusts in April 1992. Under this timetable, units would submit applications in late April 1991. Regions may comment on proposals and on applications, but decisions on suitability are for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State. Regions will determine the arrangements for consultation on applications subject to the requirements of the NHS and Community Care Act.