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13 Dec 2004 : Column 957W—continued

Food Supplements

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the meetings with manufacturers, retailers and consumers of food supplements recently arranged by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health have resulted in further additions of nutrients and nutrient sources to the lists of permitted ingredients set out in the Annexes to the Food Supplements Directive and the appendices to the Food Supplements (England) Regulations; and whether he intends further to extend those lists prior to their coming into force in July 2005. [201280]

Miss Melanie Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on 6 December 2004, Official Report, column. 351–2W.
 
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Foundation Hospitals

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201145]

(2) how much the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201146]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Homerton University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Andrew Windross, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Moorfield Eye Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201147]

(2) how much the Moorfield Eye Hospital NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201148]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Thomas Boyd-Carpenter, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary
 
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from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Papworth Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201149]

(2) how much the Papworth Hospital NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201150]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Papworth Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to John Beadsmoore, chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust (now Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201151]

(2) how much the Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust (now Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201152]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the chair of Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Clive Morton, chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust
 
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to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; and how much the trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of these elections; [201153]

(2) how much money the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (a) compiling its register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for (i) help in preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (ii) the conduct of these elections. [201154]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the chair of University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to John Charlton, chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; and how much the trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; [201155]

(2) how much money the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (a) compiling its register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for (i) help in preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections. [201156]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the chair of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to David Hooper, chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by
 
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applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; and how much the Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; [201157]

(2) how much money the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (a) compiling its register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for (i) help in preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections. [201158]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to John Ryan, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the Addenbrooke's NHS Trust (now Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; and how much the Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; [201159]

(2) how much money the Addenbrooke's NHS Trust (now Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) paid to outside bodies for help with (a) compiling its register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (i) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and how much the Trust spent on changing its name from Addenbrooke's NHS Trust to Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. [201160]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Dr. Mary Archer, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.
 
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The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; and how much the Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; [201161]

(2) how much money the City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (a) compiling its register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help (a) in preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (b) the conduct of elections. [201162]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of City Hospitals Sunderland National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to David Graham, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201163]

(2) how much the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of these elections; how much money the Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of these elections. [201164]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of The Countess of Chester Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Susan Sellers, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's enquiry. The Department provides a centrally provided
 
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programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospital Services NHS Trust (now Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201165]

(2) how much the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospital Services NHS Trust (now Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of these elections; how much money the Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201166]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Derby Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Peter Brewin, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201167]

(2) how much the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201168]

 
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Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Margaret Cox, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201169]

(2) how much the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201170]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Janet Trotter, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201171]

(2) how much the Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201172]

 
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Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Patricia Moberly, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Peterborough Hospital NHS Trust spent on changing its name to Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. [201192]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Peterborough Hospitals National Health Service Trust. I have written to Clive Morton, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospital Services NHS Trust (now Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) spent on changing its name from Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospital Services NHS Trust to Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. [201193]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Derby Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Peter Brewin, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the University College London Hospitals NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201212]

(2) how much the University College London Hospitals NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201225]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of University College London Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Peter Dixon, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary
 
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from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the Stockport NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201213]

(2) how much the Stockport NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201214]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Stockport National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Robina Shah, Chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) how much the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the Trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201215]

(2) how much the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the Trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the Trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201226]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to David Stone, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's enquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary
 
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from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Royal Marsden NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201216]

(2) how much the Royal Marsden NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201217]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the chair of Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Tessa Green, chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201218]

(2) how much the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201219]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the chair of Royal Devon and Exeter National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Ruth Hawker, chair, informing her of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary
 
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from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust spent on preparing its application for foundation status; how much of this expenditure was paid to outside consultants; and how much the trust spent on preparing for foundation status after being given the go-ahead to do so; [201220]

(2) how much the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust spent on (a) compiling the register of electors for governors and (b) the conduct of elections; how much money the trust paid to outside bodies for help with (i) compiling its register of electors for governors and (ii) the conduct of elections; and to which outside organisations the trust paid fees for help in (A) preparing electoral registers for elections for governors and (B) the conduct of elections. [201221]

Mr. Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Queen Victoria Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Hugh Ure, Chair, informing him of my right hon. Friend's inquiry.

The Department provides a centrally provided programme of support and direct financial support to applicants preparing for NHS foundation trust status. It does not, however, hold information on the level of resources or the way in which resources are used by applicants in preparing for foundation status, including for their governance arrangements, as it is for each trust to determine how resources are best spent. Costs vary from trust to trust, depending on the individual circumstances of the organisation and its state of readiness.

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