§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to increase the amount of catering work in the National Health Service which is given to outside contractors.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe employment of contractors is a matter for individual health authorities to consider in the light of their individual needs and 35W circumstances. I hope that more authorities will test the efficiency of their services by seeking competitive tenders and we intend to issue guidance shortly that will assist them in so doing.