Hss Trusts

Mr. Arbuthnot
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many expressions of interest in becoming HSS trusts he has received; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley
Eleven expressions of interest have been received and I have decided to invite all the sponsors to make formal applications to become HSS trusts in April 1993. The services involved are: Belfast City HospitalCraigavon Area Hospitals GroupDown and Lisburn Unit of ManagementEastern Board Ambulance ServiceGreen Park Unit of ManagementMater Infirmorum HospitalNewry and Mourne Unit of ManagementNorth Down and Ards Community UnitNorth and West Belfast CommunitySouth and East Belfast Community UnitUlster, North Down and Ards Hospitals Unit