§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that all meat bought for hospitals originates in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [20245]
§ Ms JowellIt is for individual National Health Service trusts to decide how they source their meat. About 80 per cent. of trusts in England use NHS Supplies Authority contracts. These do not specify country of origin. NHS Supplies' responsibility is to obtain best value for money for the NHS, while ensuring compliance with European public procurement directives.