§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Altringham and Sale (Mr. Montgomery) on 24 June, Official Report, c. 171–72, what further guidance he intends to issue to health authorities allowing them to put domestic and auxiliary services in hospitals out to tender.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am considering the form of this advice, but meanwhile there is nothing to prevent authorities seeking competitive tenders for these services.
§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many new hospitals are using private contractors for domestic and ancillary services.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI regret that information about use of contractors is not available centrally in this form.