§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many hospital catering contracts have been awarded to outside catering firms; and if he has any reason to believe that the tenders submitted by hospital caterers are not properly costed;
495W(2) what representations or evidence he has received indicating that in—house tenders for hospital catering contracts have not been properly costed prior to submission.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am not aware that any recent hospital catering contracts have been awarded to outside catering firms. We have given clear guidance to health authorities that they should ensure that in—house tenders have been properly costed. I have received informal generalised representations suggesting that this is not always being followed but I have no evidence that would cast doubt on the tender in any particular case. We would take action in any case brought to our attention and we would expect authorities to go out to tender again if the costs of an in—house service turned out to exceed significantly the tender submitted.