14(1)A PCT order may provide for the establishment of a Primary Care Trust with effect from a date earlier than the operational date.E+W
(2)During the period beginning with that earlier date and ending with the day immediately preceding the operational date (referred to in this Schedule as the preparatory period), the exercise of any functions by the Primary Care Trust must be limited to such exercise as may be specified in the PCT order for the purpose of enabling it to begin to operate satisfactorily with effect from the operational date.
(3)A PCT order may require a Strategic Health Authority whose area includes any part of the area of a Primary Care Trust to meet costs of the Primary Care Trust performing its functions during the preparatory period by doing either or both of the following—
(a)discharging such liabilities of the Primary Care Trust as may be incurred during the preparatory period and are of a description specified in the order,
(b)paying the Primary Care Trust sums to enable it to meet (or to contribute towards its meeting) expenditure of a description specified in the order.
(4)A PCT order may require an NHS trust, or a Strategic Health Authority whose area includes any part of the area of a Primary Care Trust, to make available to the Primary Care Trust during the preparatory period—
(a)premises and other facilities of the NHS trust or Strategic Health Authority,
(b)staff of the NHS trust, or
(c)officers of the Strategic Health Authority.