§ Mr. Allenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress of privatising laundry services in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. NewtonHealth authorities in England have made good progress with competitive tendering for laundry services. As at 31 March 1987, 83 per cent. of these services had been put out to tender. Total annual savings generated by contracts awarded at that date are estimated at £7.2 million —£5.6 million from 101 tenders secured by in-house organisations and £1.6 million from 23 contracts won by private contractors.