§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many commercial companies, wishing to expand the scope of their current activities by taking over National Health Service facilities, he has met since taking office; if he will name these companies and their owners; and if he will make a statement on his policy towards such matters.
§ Sir K. JosephI met the Director of the Harley Street Clinic in April 1971 at his request to discuss ways in which private enterprise might collaborate with the National Health Service. One suggestion put to me was that the Harley Street Clinic might take over a private wing of a National Health Service Hospital, and develop it as a separate private hospital. I made it clear that I could consider such a proposal only if it came from the hospital board concerned and then only if it adequately safeguarded National Health Service interests and National Health Service patients. I have in the event received no such proposal.
I have no plans for handing over National Health Service facilities for development by commercial companies.