HC Deb 09 December 1983 vol 50 cc265-6W
Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken and what future proposals he has to extend the privatisation of National Health Service provision in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

We have issued a circular to health authorities asking them to test the cost-effectiveness of their cleaning, catering and laundry services by putting them out to competitive tender and to contract these services out where it proves more economic to do so. It is our policy to encourage health authorities to make more use of commercial contracts where this would lead to greater efficiency and free money for patient care.