§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to encourage health authorities to make greater use of the private sector to provide support services for the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied with the use of resources in the National Health Service; what role he sees for private enterprise in this respect; and if he Will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI am sure there is room for improvement in the use of resources in the National Health Service and that private enterprise will be able to help in some circumstances. The Department is assembling information about the scope for health authorities to employ private contractors in a number of support services. In the light of this I shall consider
449Wwhat encouragement it may be appropriate to offer.