§ 19. Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many contracts for the use of National Health Service services by private establishments have been entered in the North-East Thames regional health authority.
§ 6. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many contracts for the use of National Health Service services by private establishments have been entered into in the West Yorkshire regional health authority.
§ Sir George YoungThe information is not available centrally, but the hon. Member may like to seek it from the health authority concerned.
§ Mr. DobsonWill the Minister say what steps his Department takes to vet the financial propriety of some of the dubious American companies seeking to enter into these arrangements with the NHS with a view to making profits as parasites on the NHS?
§ Sir George YoungThe arrangements to which the hon. Gentleman refers were enshrined in the National Health Service Act 1977. It is for local health authorities to satisfy themselves about the propriety of the companies concerned.