To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to NHS hospital trusts on budget deficits and safeguarding services. (302589)

The Department has made it clear in its guidance to the national health service that proposed changes to NHS services will always be to the benefit of patients and be locally led by clinicians and based on the best available clinical evidence.

In addition, the local NHS will involve patients, carers, the public and other key partners. Those affected by proposed changes will have the chance to have their say and offer their contribution. NHS organisations will work openly and collaboratively.

The Department works through the strategic health authorities to ensure that all the organisations forecasting an operating deficit are developing recovery plans to return to financial balance while maintaining and improving services to patients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts had a (a) budget surplus, (b) budget deficit and (c) balanced budget in each of the last three years. (303582)

Figures taken from the published NHS (England) Summarised Accounts for 2008-09, 2007-08 and 2006-07 show the following distribution of financial performance.