§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors, other than tender price, district health authorities may take into account in determining which private contract, if any, to accept.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 13 January 1984, c. 97]; Health authorities need to be 245W satisfied with the technical competence and financial viability of any contractor asked to tender. They should therefore consider these matters before inviting contractors to tender and only invite tenders from contractors able to deliver the particualr service required. The lowest tender should then be accepted.