Mr. OpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many NHS trusts failed to meet the 14 March 1997 deadline to agree contracts with their purchasers; and how many are now expected to go to arbitration. [779]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe objective for 1997–98 was for trusts and health authorities to agree contracts by 16 May 1997. Information about which organisations met the objective is not yet available. I will write to the hon. Member in due course and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.