§ 28. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he last met representatives of those companies tendering for privatised catering and domestic work in the National Health Service; and what topics were discussed.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend last met representatives of the British Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers Association on 1 February 1983 and of the Contract Cleaning and Maintenance Association on 22 May 1984. On both occasions the arrangements for competitive tendering in the National Health Service were discussed.
§ 45. Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make available to hon. Members reports from district health authorities on the privatisation of domestic and catering services.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will give an up-to-date report on the effects of implementation of the Government's policy on privatisation of the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe effects of the policy can only be beneficial, as we are requiring health authorities to use the tendering method to ensure that support services of the required standard will in future be performed at the lowest price in order to release resources for better patient care. For progress so far, I refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fachett) on 12 June, at column442.