To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 11 March (WA 30), why there are no new proposals to allow qualified private firms to manage NHS trusts.

It is the aim of Government to support all remaining National Health Service trusts to become sustainable providers of high quality healthcare services, through authorisation as foundation trusts (FTs).

Some trusts will not achieve FT status without substantial change, while others, through locally agreed plans, will overcome the challenges they face to become sustainable organisations. For others, it is likely that alternative solutions to achieve FT status will be necessary, such as partnerships with other organisations.

For some NHS trusts, innovative solutions, including the involvement of the independent sector, will be considered as options, but at present there are no agreed plans for any new independent sector managed providers.

The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) will fully assume its responsibilities from 1 April 2013 to support the remaining NHS trusts on their FT journey and will advise Ministers as necessary in relation to the consideration of options.