HC Deb 16 April 1996 vol 275 cc474-5W
25. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent consultations he has had concerning the relationship between NHS trust hospitals and social services departments. [23489]

Mr. Bowis

There have been no specific consultations, but regular meetings are held with representatives of the national health service and local authorities. We have emphasised the importance of good procedures and effective communications between local authorities, health authorities and NHS trusts about arrangements for community care.

27. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from NHS trusts on proposals to expand their activities involving private finance. [23491]

Mr. Horam

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Sir T. Arnold) on 16 January 1996,Official Report, column 550.

Since that reply, a further nine schemes with a capital value of more than £1 million have been approved, taking the total capital value of approved schemes to £0.5 billion.

Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the plans by NHS trusts to introduce private health plans. [23469]

Mr. Dorrell

My hon. Friend the Minister for Health recently set out the long-standing position. Trusts have wide-ranging powers to generate additional income, provided, among other things, that there is no unacceptable risk to public funds.

I have, however, made it clear that I do not believe that private health insurance plans could in any circumstances satisfy that requirement. There are therefore no such schemes on offer from NHS trusts, nor do trusts have any plans to introduce such schemes.