To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the rate of return on capital required from health trusts; how capital is defined; and how it is assessed.

Trusts are required to make a real pre-interest return of 6 per cent. of relevant net assets. The definition of relevant net assets (capital) and the calculation of the return are detailed in chapter 17 of the Trust Manual for Accounts, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.