§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will remove the right of NHS trusts to refuse to provide information as to their activities on the basis of such information being commercial in confidence. [26]
§ Mr. MilburnThe National Health Service is expected to respond positively to all requests for information. However, there may be circumstances where negotiations could be prejudiced by premature disclosure or where there is a duty to respect information given in confidence.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place a requirement on NHS trusts and health authorities to publish their business plans and planning documents relating to the services they provide or plan to provide. [28]
§ Mr. MilburnNational Health Service trusts and health authorities are expected to be open about their plans. They are required to make publicly available details about important proposals or health policies or changes in the way in which services are delivered. This information should be made available when proposals are announced, and before decisions are made. In addition, trusts are required to publish an annual business plan, describing their planned activity for the coming year. Both trusts and health authorities are also required to publish a summary strategic direction document (every three years for trusts and five years for health authorities) setting out their longer term plans for the delivery of health care services.