HC Deb 10 April 2003 vol 403 cc375-6W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the powers that would be available to a board of governors of a foundation hospital. [106810]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 8 April]The powers available to a Board of Governors of a National Health Service foundation trust are set out in Schedule 1 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Board of Governors will be responsible for appointing and removing the chair and non-executive directors, and deciding their terms and conditions, approving appointment and removal of the chief executive and executive directors, appointing the auditor, advising the Board of Directors on development of forward plans and for approving the annual report and accounts.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are planned enable local people to elect the hospital governors of foundation hospitals. [106811]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 8 April 2003]: Procedures are set out in Schedule 1 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill. Subject to parliamentary approval, local people, patients and staff who become members of a National Health Service foundation trust will elect representatives onto a Board of Governors.