§ David MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he received(a) before and (b) after the decision was made to move the headquarters of North Cumbria health authority; [5269]
(2) what discussions he had with representatives of North Cumbria health authority (a) prior to and (b) after the decision was taken to move the headquarters to West Cumbria; [5268]
(3) if he will reverse the decision by the Chairman of the North Cumbria health authority to move the headquarters to West Cumbria; [5266]
(4) what the cost is of moving the headquarters of the North Cumbria health authority from Carlisle to West Cumbria. [5267]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 July 2001]: I apologise to the right hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.
The North Cumbria health authority has not moved its headquarters.
I am aware that the North Cumbria Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust, which was established on 1 April 2001, has based its headquarters at the West Cumberland hospital.
1021WI understand that the Department has received representations at a local level. The decision as to the location of the trust headquarters was taken by the trust board and was taken in the interest of the whole organisation. No costs were incurred by the trust.