Mike Penning questions why so many trusts that pass board, health authority and Department of Health criteria fail the Monitor test to become Foundation Trusts.

Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): May I ask the Minister to join me in congratulating Monitor on the excellent work it has done over the years to get the right trusts—the viable trusts—through as foundation trusts? Can he explain why so many trusts fail the Monitor test? Even though they have gone through their own board, their health authority and his Department, Monitor still says that a third of the trusts are not suitable. Is that not a waste of money, and should it not be picked up earlier?

Mr. Bradshaw: No, that happens because Monitor rightly has a high standard. We are working closely with Monitor and with the trusts concerned to ensure that those that apply are more likely to get through the process. If we want to ensure that foundation trust hospitals are hospitals of high quality, it is right that we set the bar high—that is necessary. The hon. Gentleman seems to be suggesting that any trust should become a foundation trust, regardless of the quality of its finances and its care.

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