§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether, in granting approvals in to the capital programmes of NHS trusts, it is her policy to act in accordance with the previous outline capital programmes of regional health authorities or any undertakings regional health authorities may have given relating thereto.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWith the introduction of capital charges all capital developments, whether in trusts or directly managed units, have revenue consequences for purchasers. The national health service management executive requires all new capital developments to be supported by a business case which demonstrates that the scheme meets purchaser requirements, has their support, and can be afforded by them. Schemes in regional health authorities previous outline programmes are subject to these criteria in the same way that any new proposals are. The NHS management executive's outposts are responsible for recommending major capital schemes for inclusion in trust capital programmes and work closely with regional health authorities in drawing up their proposals.