HC Deb 18 July 2003 vol 409 cc935-6W
Mr. Syms

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish the source book on good governance for foundation trusts, produced by the external reference group; and if he will make a statement. [125033]

Mr. Hutton

A source book is currently being developed to help NHS Foundation Trust applicants develop their governance arrangements. The first edition will be published shortly and will be supplemented, over time, to include learning from the experience of first-wave applicants. It has been put together by the Department of Health, drawing on a wide range of contributions from business, public and not for profit and mutual organisations.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional funds have been made available to each of the trusts applying for foundation status to contribute towards the cost of each of their applications. [126221]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 16 July 2003]: National health service trusts that have entered the preparatory stage for NHS foundation trust status have been given £100,000 to contribute to the costs of project managing for establishment as an NHS foundation trust. The Department of Health is also making available a wide ranging support package for applicants, which is designed to minimise the cost associated with the application.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the official risk assessment for the foundation hospital policy and for each applicant trust. [126222]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 16 July 2003]: Subject to legislation, copies of any application made to the Independent Regulator for authorisation as a national health service foundation trust will be publicly available. The application will contain information on, and analysis of, any risks associated with the application.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the independent financial assessment of each trust applying for foundation status. [126223]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 16 July 2003]: The process of independent financial assessment has not yet been undertaken.