§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of merging NHS trusts serving East Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [21354]
§ Mr. MilburnNo proposals for the merger of National Health Service trusts within East Sussex have been received. Mergers arising from local decisions will be considered on their merits, on the basis of demonstrable benefits in health and healthcare, and savings in administration.