§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the development of national health service trusts in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThere are currently 14 operational NHS trusts in Wales and my right hon. Friend announced on 19 November 1993 that he was establishing a further eight trusts with an operational date of 1 April 1994.
Additionally, public consultation on applications received from north unit—Morriston hospital—in West Glamorgan and Taff Ely health unit—East Glamorgan hospital—Mid Glamorgan has now ended. In the light of representations received, and taking account the individual merits of both applications, my right hon. Friend has decided to establish these units as NHS trusts also to become operational from this April. The orders giving effect to these decisions have been signed today. I will announce shortly the details on the chairmen and non-executive directors of these further NHS trusts.
This announcement today means that, from april 1994, some 90 per cent. of acute services and 85 per cent. of community services in Wales will be delivered by NHS trusts.