§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which district health authorities have been involved in discussions with American corporations regarding the contracting-out of management of National Health Service hospitals; which American corporations were involved in each case; and what stage discussions have reached in each case.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSuch discussions do not have to be reported to us. We are aware that Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, and Lewisham and North Southwark health authorities have held preliminary discussions with American Medical International about management of their private patients' wings. We are encouraging innovation and improvement in the management of hospitals and we would look sympathetically at any proposals that emerged from discussions between any health authority and any company with a good track record of hospital management. I cannot see the relevance of the nationality of the company concerned and our judgments would not be affected one way or the other if the ownership of the company happened to be American.