§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether clause 27 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill allows for the differentiation of pay and conditions between trust and non-trust hospitals. [112828]
§ Mr. HuttonNational health service foundation trusts, like other NHS bodies, will have flexibility when it comes to staff pay and conditions. However, it is essential that NHS foundation trusts act in ways that are consistent with equal pay principles and that do not prejudice the interests of the wider NHS, including other NHS employers. NHS foundation trusts will be subject to the same statutory duty of partnership that applies to all NHS bodies—duty to cooperate in the exercise of their functions.