§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is considering any proposals for privatisation with the four area health and social service boards in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris Patten[pursuant to his reply, 21 November 1983, c. 58]: The Government's initiative on privatisation and contracting out services will be carried forward in Northern Ireland as in the other parts of the United Kingdom. No specific proposals on privatisation are currently under consideration, but draft guidance on contracting out of support services has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Services and is currently being considered by the health and social services Boards and trade union interests. It follows closely that issued in Great Britain. The intention is that the guidance will be issued in final form at an early date and this will open the way to proposals for contracting out services.