§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given to local health authorities on the awarding of hospital cleaning contracts. [24357]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 8 January 2002]: Health authorities do not award cleaning contracts for hospitals. It is the responsibility of individual national health service trusts to award cleaning contracts based on the principles of achieving value for money which involves consideration of quality and satisfaction as well as cost.