§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of hospital domestic and cleaning, catering and laundry services is contracted out.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Burton (Mr. Lawrence) on 7 March at column622.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the growing number of hospital authorities that entered into privatisation contracts but which have now ended them because of poor standards, rising costs and poor supervision and management, he will now withdraw his circular of September 1983, calling on health authorities to put their sevices out to tender.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. A growing number of health authorities are making worthwhile savings whilst maintaining standards by using contractors for cleaning and laundry services following competitive tendering. These savings will make resources available for additional patient care. I know of no evidence to support the assertions in the first half of the hon. Member's question.