§ Mr. Michieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions have been issued, or are to be issued in the near future, to regional health authorities regarding tendering by private contractors for services; and if he will make these available to hon. Members.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeA circular was issued to health authorities in September 1983 asking them to test the cost effectiveness of their domestic, catering and laundry services by putting them out to tender. Specimen contracts for these services will be issued to health authorities shortly. The circular HC(83)18 has already been placed in the Library of the House and the specimen contracts will be as soon as they have been issued.
§ Mr. Michieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of National Health Service cleaning and catering services are currently provided by private contractors.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe figures for 1982–83 will be available shortly when I shall write to the hon. Member.
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§ Mr. Michieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what private contracts are currently in existence in catering and cleaning services within the National Health Service; who are the contractors; which regional health authorities are concerned; how many jobs have been lost as a result of private contracts; and what savings have been achieved in cash terms;
(2) how many private contracts in the National Health Service since 1979 have ceased to operate and for what reasons; and what the cost to the regional health authorities has been in these cases.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThis information is not held centrally.