§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the discussions which have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and representatives of an American corporation concerning the possibility of setting up a pilot scheme whereby the management of a National Health Service hospital would be contracted out.
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§ The Prime MinisterThe Government favour greater collaboration between the National Health Service and the independent health sector, and many discussions have taken place on the topic, at both ministerial and official levels with private sector companies. We have no plans at present for a centrally promoted scheme of the type described, but if any health authority is satisfied that such an arrangement is in the interests of its NHS patients, the Government will look sympathetically at the proposals.