HC Deb 06 June 1995 vol 261 cc72-3W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the secretary of state for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS trust concerning the first-year deficit of the trust; what representations he has received from the trust concerning(a) short-term and (b) long-term loans; and if he will make a statement. [26600]

Mr. Redwood

None. But I expect the trust to meet its targets by 31 March 1996. One short-term loan has been made and repaid. No requests for long-term loans have been received.

Mr. Rhodri Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what procedures he undertook to establish the financial viability of the University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS trust before its final approval as a trust with effect from 1 April 1995. [26598]

Mr. Redwood

All trust applications are subjected to financial scrutiny including an assessment by independent external assessors.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which consultations were appointed to carry out the appraisal of the business plan for the formation of the University Hospital of Wales NHS trust; and on what date the consultants commenced and completed their work; if they were appointed by competitive tender; and how much they were paid. [26599]

Mr. Redwood

Secta Consultation Ltd. was appointed on 26 September 1994, under competitive tender arrangements, to undertake the financial appraisal of five applications for NHS trust status received during 1994–95, including that from the University Hospital of Wales. It was paid a total of £17,625 for 23 days' work, which concluded in December 1994.