§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has plans to establish renal dialysis units in England, the operation of which are offered to tender by non-National Health Service bodies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is open to health authorities to contract with outside bodies for the provision of all services, including dialysis, for which they are responsible. It is for them to decide whether such arrangements offer a cost-effective and clinically satisfactory means of meeting their patients' needs.