HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 c638W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is regarding the maintenance of independent decision making for each component trust where the managements of adjacent primary care trusts that were previously autonomous are merged. [185979]

Mr. Hutton

There is no national policy regarding the maintenance of independent decision-making for each component trust where the management arrangements of adjacent primary care trusts (PCTs) are shared.

This is a local issue for consideration by PCTs and to be supported by their respective strategic health authorities.