Primary Care Trusts

HC Deb 23 October 2001 vol 373 c152W

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review processes by which public consultation is undertaken on primary care trusts, and the reorganisation of health authorities. [9129]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 19 October 2001]: It is not proposed at this stage to review the processes of consultation.

Legislation requires public consultation to be undertaken on the establishment of primary care trusts and new health authorities. The aim is that all consultation is open, transparent and inclusive, capturing the views of local stakeholders. While the regulations specify those who must be consulted, it allows for health authorities to consult a wider range of local bodies and individuals on the formation of primary care trusts.

With regard to the proposed new health authorities, consultation on their boundaries commenced in September and will be completed at the end of November.