§ 23. Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has issued any guidelines to area health boards on improving co-operation with the private sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayYes. Guidance on the powers available to health boards to make NHS facilities and services available to the private sector was included in general advice on private medical practice in NHS hospitals issued in NHS circular 1981 (GEN)1 and 1983 (GEN)6. Advice on the potential use by boards of contractual arrangements with private sector establishments for the provision of facilities and services for NHS patients was given in NHS circular 1981(GEN)30. I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library.