§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that private sector consultants retained by health boards and NHS trusts in Scotland in relation to private finance initiative contracts have no conflict of interest arising from a business, financial or personal relationship with private companies bidding for such contracts. [11612]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThere are no instances of a private sector consultant advising both the NHS and private sector on the same project. NHS trusts should follow relevant procurement rules and corporate governance guidance in avoiding situations where such a conflict of interest would arise.