Secretary of State’s powers in relation to a pilot scheme
4.—(1) The Secretary of State may at any time amend a pilot scheme by a notice in writing to the pilot PCT if he considers that the amendment is appropriate in the interests of the health service.
(2) An amendment under paragraph (1) may include—
(a)an extension of the period for which a pilot scheme has effect, but the maximum period for which the pilot scheme has effect must not exceed five years; or
(b)an additional restriction or obligation imposed on the pilot PCT in relation to the pilot scheme.
(3) The Secretary of State may require a pilot PCT to notify the Secretary of State in writing of the intended arrangements to provide for continuity of care for patients on expiry of the pilot scheme, including—
(a)arrangements for services to be procured for a patient by means of a direct payment under another pilot scheme; or
(b)arrangements to continue to provide services to a patient by means other than by a direct payment.
(4) The Secretary of State may at any time revoke a pilot scheme by notice in writing to the pilot PCT if he considers that revocation is appropriate in the interests of the health service.