Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 26 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 February 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 February 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of preparedness from primary care groups becoming primary care trusts. - (Holding answer 29 November 2001).

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of preparedness from primary care groups becoming primary care trusts. [19291] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 29 November 2001]: There are currently 164 primary care trusts in operation. A further 136 proposals have been approved with 19 more proposals being considered to become operational on 1 April 2002. The estimated total of PCTs operating from 1 April 2002 is expected to be around 300. The process for approving applications for primary care trust status is contained in Health Service Circular 1999-167. In approving applications to establish PCTs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State needs to be satisfied that four key criteria are met. These are: The benefits of what will be achieved. The degree of support for the proposal. The `fitness' of the proposed organisation to deliver. The impact on other organisations. These criteria must be demonstrated in the PCT proposal. PCTs are established after full and open consultation locally, giving every opportunity for views and concerns to be expressed and addressed.

Secondary information