§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list those hospital boards which invited more than six firms to tender for building contracts in 1968; and whether he will now improve his statistical services so that he will be able in future to give the details of tendering policy which his Department were unable to give 167W to the Economic Development Committee for Building when it was preparing its survey, Action on the Banwell Report.
Mr. GrossmanThe information requested is not available. Hospital Boards are aware, and have recently been reminded, of the policy to restrict tender lists to a select list of six contractors. Although tabulations in the form initially requested by the Economic Development Committee for Building could not readily be produced, alternative information acceptable to the Committee was provided, and I do not think that a change in the form of statistical information available is necessary.