§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many letters Ministers in his Department have sent to regional, area and district health authorities chairmen since 1981 on privatisation;
(2) how many speeches Ministers in his Department have made since 1981 (a) in the House and (b) outside the House on the subject of his Department's press notices on privatisation.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not keep these figures. Ministers have taken a close interest in ensuring the success of our competitive tendering policy. This policy is already producing large savings which are being used to improve services to patients.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many circulars on privatisation he has issued to health authorities since 1981.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI assume the hon. Member is referring to competitive tendering and only one circular, HC(83)18, has been issued on this subject.