§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue a circular advising National Health Service authorities to show in their accounts submitted to his Department the proportion of money spent on domestic cleaning, catering and portering services which is paid to private contractors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleNo, but health authorities have already been asked to include information on contracts, including cleaning and catering, in the analyses which accompany accounts to be submitted for 1977–78 and future years.
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§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria by which health authorities decide whether or not to employ private contractors to carry out cleaning and allied services in National Health Service hospitals.
§ Mr. MoyleRelevant criteria include the availability or otherwise of the authority's own labour, cost, the standard of service proposed to be provided and an assessment of the contractor's ability to provide the required service. There may also be other specific local circumstances which have to be taken into account.