§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list those areas in which it is inappropriate for her to intervene within NHS trusts.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNational health service trusts have the freedom to
Aquire, own and dispose of assets to ensure the most effective use is made of them.Make their own cases for capital development direct to the NHS Management Executive (NHSME).Borrow money, within annually agreed limits, primarily for new buildings and equipment and for upgrading existing buildings.Create their own management structures.Employ their own staff, determine their own staffing structures, and set out terms and conditions of employment.Advertise their services, within guidelines set down by professonal codes of practice on such advertising.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has a range of reserve powers to intervene in trusts' affairs. These are not to be used routinely.