HC Deb 01 February 1989 vol 146 cc302-3W
34. Mr. Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made by local health authorities in Scotland with regard to competitive tendering.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

By the end of December, Scottish health boards had awarded 43 contracts for domestic and catering services producing estimated savings, for reinvestment in direct patient care, of nearly £15.4 million over the next three years. Further blocks of services are now being put out to tender.