§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 1 September 2004 to question reference 185185, on temporary clerical and administration staff, if he will list the benefits to hospital and primary care trusts of using the national framework agreement when hiring temporary clerical and administration staff. [188005]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 13 September 2004]: The use of national framework agreements (NFAs) brings a number of benefits to the national health service, for example:
Competitive commission rates.Ensuring competitive pay rates for all temporary workers.The individual trusts no longer have to go through their own tender exercise.It ensures vetted and verified quality procedures for all agencies.It provides pre-written specifications and terms and conditions.The NFA continues to allow trusts the flexibility to form local service level agreements to ensure local variations are accounted for.The availability of individual trust management information, enabling identification and management of expenditure.The independent monitoring and review of the NFA and agencies by the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency.A choice of nine quality providers offering a comprehensive service and assistance with contract administration.The assurance that all European Union procurement legislation has been complied with.