§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to protect smaller local hospitals from becoming unable economically to carry out particular procedures and treatments in the face of competition from foundation trusts. [108439]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 April 2003]: All providers of national health service care will be paid according to a national tariff. As a result, there will be no price competition from foundation trusts.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether foundation hospitals will be able to set up limited companies with which to conduct trade with their non-protected assets. [108520]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 April 2003]: Yes. Subject to parliamentary approval, provisions in clause 17 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill, will enable foundation hospitals to be able to set up limited companies to conduct trade with non-protected assets. national health service trusts can already establish trading companies.