§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what management services are provided to the National Guard hospital in Jeddah by the North-East Thames regional health authority; whether this regional health authority or others have similar contracts relating to other foreign hospitals; why such a contract is entered into by a regional health authority rather than by Her Majesty's Government; and what are the effects on National Health Service waiting-lists of consultants undertaking locum work in accordance with this contract and any others.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI understand that North-East Thames regional health authority provides advice on administrative and support matters connected with commissioning and running the hospital. There are no similar contracts. The agreement is between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Saudi Arabia under which the Ministry of Defence has appointed civilian contractors to undertake the work, and the RHA to provide advice to the Ministry of Defence and the contractors. I am not aware that this has had any effect upon National Health Service waiting lists.