Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assistance his Department will offer foundation hospitals in developing (a) ethical and (b) environmental, (i) investment, (ii) banking and (iii) procurement policies.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance his Department will offer foundation hospitals in developing (a) ethical and (b) environmental, (i) investment, (ii) banking and (iii) procurement policies. [145716] Mr. Hutton: National Health Service foundation trusts will develop their own investment, banking and procurement policies, subject to any conditions set by the Independent Regulator in their terms of authorisation. NHS foundation trusts will not be subject to directions from the Department, but they will be able to continue to access guidance and best practice developed or disseminated by the Department and its agencies, including NHS Estates and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 145716; 416 c602-3W;416 c600-1W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bank services Environment Investment Ethics Procurement NHS foundation trusts
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk