HC Deb 14 March 2003 vol 401 cc457-8W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the legal status of foundation trusts. [102176]

Mr. Hutton

Our proposals for national health service foundation trusts are set out in "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts". Subject to parliamentary approval NHS foundation trusts will be established under provisions to be included in the Health & Social Care (Community Health & Standards) Bill, which was published on 13 March.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what will happen to a foundation hospital if it fails to meet its liabilities. [102179]

Mr. Hutton

The Independent Regulator would be able to intervene at national health service foundation trusts if it fails to meet its liabilities. The policy is explained in paragraphs 3.34 to 3.38 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts". The provisions that apply if an NHS foundation trust fails to meet its liabilities are set out in the Health & Social Care (Community Health & Standards) Bill.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to allow primary care trusts to become foundation institutions; [102177]

(2) what plans ha has to expand the provision of foundation status beyond the acute healthcare sector. [102174]

Mr. Hutton

The policy for applications for national health service foundation trust status is set out in 7.3 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts".

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how non-executive directors will be appointed to foundation hospital boards. [102181]

Mr. Hutton

Non-executive directors will be elected by members of the Board of Governors of the national health service foundation trust. Details of the policy are set out in paragraph 2.33 and 2.34 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts".

Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether trusts applying for foundation status will be obliged to have consulted other acute trusts in their local area before being granted foundation status. [102209]

Mr. Hutton

The principles for local consultation by National Health Service foundation trust second stage applicants is set out in paragraph 7.11 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts".