(1)The Primary Care Trusts established by the Secretary of State continue in existence.
(2)But the Secretary of State may by order (a “PCT order”)—
(a)vary the area in England for which a Primary Care Trust is established,
(b)abolish a Primary Care Trust,
(c)establish a new Primary Care Trust for the area in England specified in the order with a view to it exercising functions in relation to the health service.
(3)The Secretary of State must act under this section so as to ensure that the areas for which Primary Care Trusts are at any time established together comprise the whole of England.
(4)A Primary Care Trust must exercise its functions in accordance with any prohibitions or restrictions in a PCT order relating to it.
(5)If any consultation requirements apply, they must be complied with before a PCT order is made.
(6)“Consultation requirements” means requirements about consultation contained in regulations.
(7)Regulations must impose requirements about consultation where a PCT order establishes a Primary Care Trust.
(8)Schedule 3 makes further provision about Primary Care Trusts.