HC Deb 28 January 2002 vol 379 cc140-1W
Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he will ensure that chief executives designate of the new strategic health authorities involve local communities and primary care trusts in the development of franchise plans. [26599]

Mr. Hutton

In developing three year franchise plans chief executives of strategic health authorities will be required to reflect the plans and targets of local primary care trusts, and to demonstrate how the health authority will ensure local community involvement.

Plans will be based on a specification issued by the Department. All strategic health authorities will be required to meet the specification.