HC Deb 09 March 1982 vol 19 cc716-7
Mr. Anthony Grant Speaking from the Side Gallery]

No. 22, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

I rather fancy that I made a statement that I would not call hon. Members if there was room on the Floor of the House and I believe that there is.

22. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice his Department is offering to health authorities on the use of private contractors for ancillary services in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The responses to the letters that my hon. Friend sent to all health authority chairmen in August suggest there is considerable scope for savings from the use of private contractors. We propose to give guidance to the new district health authorities to assist them in looking at the option of using private contracts in the provision of support services, and to encourage them to take up the opportunities.

Mr. Grant

Is my hon. Friend aware that millions of pounds a year could be saved and used for patient care and vital medical equipment if a great deal more ancillary services in hospitals were carried out by private enterprise? Will he urge health authorities to contract out wherever possible? Will he also accept my apologies for speaking from the Side Gallery? When I entered the Chamber the Benches were full.

Mr. Finsberg

I sympathise with my hon. Friend, as I once asked a question from the Side Gallery. I cannot see why any intelligent person should allow a contract to go untested if a saving can be made in patient care, which I believe is what we all wish.

Dr. Mawhinney

If district health authorities make savings by using private contractors, will they be allowed to retain the savings for use within their own authorities?

Mr. Finsberg

Very firmly, yes.