§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the role is of the proposed regulator for foundation hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [102180]
§ Mr. HuttonOur policy on the main functions of the Independent Regulator is set out in paragraph 3.28 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts". The Health &Social Care (Community Health &Standards) Bill makes provision for the Independent Regulator to authorise applications for national health service foundation trust status; set and revise the terms under which each NHS foundation trust operates and provides additional powers to intervene in the running of an NHS foundation trust in specified circumstances.