§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many trusts failed to meet the deadline to agree contracts with the purchasers; and how many he expects to go to arbitration. [21161]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAgreement was reached by all trusts and health boards in Scotland on their contracts in the present financial year without the need 743W for arbitration. Negotiations on contracts for 1997–98 are continuing and I do not anticipate any requirement for arbitration.