§ 19. Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in introducing private contractors for services in the Health Service in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKaySeveral health boards are in the process of testing the cost effectiveness of their support services by putting them out to competitive tender. The Common Services Agency, Grampian and Tayside health boards have so far let contracts with savings which range from 8 to 31 per cent. Two of these contracts have been awarded to private companies. I expect to see further progress in competitive tendering from the reports which are due to be submitted by boards at the end of March.