§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consultations he intends to carry out with local people regarding applications by hospitals and services for trust status within the Argyll and Clyde health board; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he plans to consider any formal expressions of interest in trust status from hospitals or services with Argyll and Clyde health board; and if he will make a statement;
(3) how many formal expressions of interest in applying for trust status have been received from hospitals or services within the Argyll and Clyde health board area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan Stewart[holding answer 2 June 1992]: A formal expression of interest in NHS trust status has been made on behalf of staff at the Royal Alexandra hospital, Paisley. Any application which results will be subject to the statutory three months' public consultation.