HC Deb 30 October 2002 vol 391 cc828-9W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of his departmental officials are involved in work on foundation status for NHS trusts. [74555]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 24 October]:Departmental officials currently working on policy Services NHS Trust, June 1995 to August 2002, ordinary and day development for National Health Service foundation case admissions combined, all specialities trusts are required to co-ordinate and produce detailed proposals for a new form of NHS organisation in order to meet Government objectives to devolve operational control of the most successful NHS trusts whilst enhancing accountability to local stakeholders. At this stage their usual work primarily includes researching and drafting papers for Ministers on specific policy issues; preparing for the necessary legislation; consulting with key stakeholders; and, handling parliamentary business and ministerial correspondence.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 17 October 2002,Official Report, column 922W, what the usual work is of each of the nine staff of his Department working full-time on foundation trusts. [76848]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 24 October 2002]: Departmental officials currently working on policy development for national health service foundation trusts are required to co-ordinate and produce detailed proposals for a new form of NHS organisation in order to meet Government objectives to devolve operational control of the most successful NHS trusts while enhancing accountability to local stakeholders. At this stage their usual work primarily includes researching and drafting papers for Ministers on specific policy issues; preparing for the necessary legislation; consulting with key stakeholders; and, handling parliamentary business and ministerial correspondence.