§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been achieved in Yorkshire as a result of competitive tendering in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. FreemanIn respect of domestic services, catering and laundry the costs of services within Yorkshire regional 547W health authority were reduced by an average of 19 per cent. as a result of the competitive tendering initiative, giving net savings of £8.75 million which could be ploughed back into improved patient care. Additional benefits have been the setting of clearer performance standards, introduction of more flexible and innovative services, and more systematic monitoring of service provision.