§ 66. Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to reduce the cost of ancillary services to the Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. Health authorities have been asked to ensure by good management that they improve the cost effectiveness of all their services. We have issued specific guidance on domestic, catering and laundry services and expect that the cost of these services will reduce as a result of health authorities putting them out to competitive tender. We are also encouraging authorities to test the cost-effectiveness of their other support services by competitive tender.