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Mr. Burstow: The vision is widely supported, but both parts—the local care hospitals and the critical care hospital—have to be delivered to achieve it. If one part is not delivered, the whole thing will fall apart. Can we afford this package, and will it actually be delivered?

Dr. Ladyman: The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to give a blanket promise of funding for the new project in the middle of an Adjournment debate. What I can say is that we will work very closely with the local decision makers to ensure that they have appropriate guidance on what may or may not be feasible.

The siting decisions to which I referred must be made locally and not by Ministers. Formal public local consultation on the siting of the hospitals will take place during this September, October and November.

I understand that, so far, formulation of the proposals has been a very inclusive process. GPs, hospital doctors, nurses and other health professionals from the trust and from the two local PCTs—Sutton and Merton, and East Elmbridge and Mid Surrey—have been working together intensively throughout 2003–04, together with patient and public representatives and groups, to develop this new model for local health care. I will ensure that careful note is taken of the comments that were made concerning those groups that may not have been properly involved in the process. Informal discussions have been held with tenants and resident groups, with local authority overview and scrutiny committees and with the media and NHS staff. I understand that the process throughout has been carried out in an open and transparent manner. For example, detailed working papers have been made public—in March 2004 and again last week. Comments from stakeholders on the papers published last week have been invited by 7 July 2004.

I am also aware of yesterday's full-day meeting in which stakeholders received presentations and were able to ask questions. I was pleased to learn that it was a well attended event and that a number of hon. Members were present and able to participate with others in
 
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understanding the issues, debating the key points and identifying where further analysis is required. I am told that the day highlighted a high level of commitment to the model of care and that the key stakeholders debated the importance of delivering the elements of the reconfiguration in an integrated way. I hope that the event will have made a significant contribution to defining the further work to be completed before the formal consultation period.

It is always important that the local NHS strives to engage in a meaningful way with its local community as well as with all interested stakeholders. It is encouraging, then, to see that the NHS in south-west London is seeking to work in a different and more open way in the development of ideas and options—

Tom Brake: In the time available, will the Minister touch on the issue of foundation hospitals and clarify whether he will direct?
 
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Dr. Ladyman: The position with foundation hospitals is that they have a duty of partnership. The Secretary of State is not in a position to give directions in quite the way that the hon. Gentleman has requested, but I can assure him that the duty is there for foundation hospitals to be involved in a partnership. An independent regulator will take a view on whether that duty is being fulfilled or not. Perhaps the solution to the problem will not be brought about in the way that the hon. Gentleman has requested, but I can assure him that I am satisfied that steps can be taken to ensure an appropriate resolution of the problem—

The motion having been made after half-past Two o'clock, and the debate having continued for half an hour, Mr. Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at two minutes past Three o'clock.

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