§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria he has used in the evaluation of primary care groups in their applications to become primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [29969]
§ Mr. HuttonPrimary care trusts are established after full and open consultation locally. Each application to establish a PCT is assessed against the nationally published criteria for assessment contained in Health Service Circular 1999/167. Applications must demonstrate:
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- The benefits of what will be achieved
- The degree of support for the proposal
- The 'fitness' of the proposed organisation to deliver
- The impact on other organisations.