§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what interventions he has made in decisions taken by district and regional health authorities to award National Health Service hospital contracts to private firms; and what consultations he sought with hospital union staff when this action was taken.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have intervened only when there were good reasons to believe that health authorities had taken or intended to take decisions which were not in the best interests of patients. We do not consider that it is necessary for us to consult the unions on these matters.