§ 37. Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail the response received from Fife health board to his most recent circular on the contracting out of hospital ancillary services.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythFife health board has indicated that after some minor delay in the issue of invitations to tender, it will be undertaking the required programme of competitive tendering. it is preparing the necessary tender documents and has said it will use its best endeavours to complete the programme in line with other health boards.
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§ 57. Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow health boards to discuss Government policy in respect of the privatisation of services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have no plans to meet these boards to discuss competitive tendering. Both boards are pressing ahead with the programme of competitive tendering which I have asked them to undertake. I shall, however, discuss progress with chairmen collectively when I meet them next month.