HC Deb 19 April 1983 vol 41 cc75-6W
25. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the operation of the present guidelines on cleaning, catering and laundry contracts.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Presumably the hon. Member is referring to the guidelines issued for consultation as announced by my right hon. Friend on 17 February 1983 — [Vol. 37, c. 484.] As stated by him in his reply to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Stott) today, it is too early to comment on their progress.

36. Mr. Stan Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private contracts have been made with cleaning or catering companies since the introduction of the new guidelines on private contracting in the National Health Service.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

As the new guidelines have been recently issued on a consultative basis and a new health notice has not yet been issued, it is not possible to answer this question.

38. Mr. Jim Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the average reduction in cost, in percentage terms, in respect of those contracts for private cleaning and catering services in the National Health Service so far agreed.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

This information is not available centrally.

52. Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what savings have been identified as a result of the new guidelines on private contracts for cleaning services in the National Health Service.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

It is too early to know. The new guidelines have been recently issued on a consultative basis.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what responses he has received to date to his proposals to allow the private sector to tender for contracts for ancillary services in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We called for responses on the draft circular by 31 March 1983, but some health authorities have found that date difficult to meet and we are still receiving and considering further responses. The consultation process is, of course, concerned with the technical details of the policy. There is no reason why authorities should not be proceeding now with examining the cost effectiveness of their services and inviting tenders where appropriate. I am glad to say many authorities are considering doing so.