§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the cost of employing private security firms in the National Health Service; and how these costs compare if the duties are done by directly employed ancillary staff;
(2) if he will list in the Official Report the private security companies which are employed to guard hospitals in the National Health Service.
§ Dr. VaughanI regret that this information is not available centrally.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that when redundancies are considered to ancillary staff in the National Health Service, private security personnel will not be called upon to carry out ancillary staff duties.
§ Dr. VaughanThis is a matter for individual health authorities.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in employing private security staff in National Health 64W Service hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanHealth authorities have discretion to provide services either by direct labour or through commercial contracts. It is for authorities to determine the method best suited to local needs and circumstances.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from trade unions objecting to the use of private security firms in hospitals in the National Health Service.
§ Dr. VaughanI have received no representations from trade unions. I am replying to letters from two hon. Members who sent me copies of a trade union document.