To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the cost of preparing and publishing the applications for trust status in Lothian health board hospitals.

[holding answer 21 June 1993]: As in previous years separate funds had been set aside to assist hospitals who wish to consider and prepare applications for NHS trust status. The costs of preparing and publishing applications by Lothian hospitals are not yet available but as part of the public consultation process the Government attach great importance to copies of all applications being widely available to assist members of the public in their consideration of the proposals.