§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many and which of the proposed mergers of health trusts in Wales have been subject to objections by(a) individuals and (b) organisations affected; what consultation procedures will apply to the hearing of such objections; and what is the time scale for this process.[45155]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsMy right hon. Friend and I have received a number of objections, in particular, to our proposals for the creation of a single trust in Carmarthenshire and a new trust for Powys and Ceredigion. We have also received a smaller number of objections to our proposals affecting other areas of Wales. I refer my hon. Friend to my previous reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 14 May 1998,Official Report, columns 159–60, in which I gave details of the number of these objections.
Formal consultation on our proposals will commence later this month and will last for three months. My right hon. Friend and I hope that many groups and individuals will take this opportunity to make their views on these matters known. We shall consider all views we receive during this formal consultation period carefully before making final decisions, which we expect to do in the autumn.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters he has received from(a) hon. Members and (b) others expressing opposition to the proposed merger of health trusts in Wales.[45157]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI have received over 2,800 representations in respect of our plans to restructure NHS trusts in Wales. Eighty-seven of these have been from hon. Members. I have also received over 15,000 petition signatures on the same matter. Of these views expressed, some have opposed any restructuring, while others have opposed individual options and supported alternatives. A small number have expressed full support for the process of particular proposals.