§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what function and powers the strategic health authorities have in(a) monitoring the provision and commissioning of specialised healthcare services and (b) managing the performance of individual primary care trusts. [82779]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 225 November 2002]The functions of strategic health authorities and primary care trusts in relation to specialised services are set out in the National Health Service (Functions of Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts and Administration Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2002 (Statutory Instrument 2002/2375). 415W Regulation 2(1) of these Regulations defines "specialised services". Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations sets out the functions exercisable by primary care trusts, which are to be performance managed by strategic health authorities. Where specialised services commissioning arrangements cross strategic health authority boundaries, the directorate of health and social care facilitates agreement and if necessary, determines disputes.