§ Mr. Foxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will inquire into the reason why the Leeds Eastern health authority has decided to ignore his circular on competitive tendering; and what action he will be taking in this matter.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am advised that the Yorkshire regional health authority is aware of the recent decision of Leeds Eastern health authority. It is also aware of the high priority which Ministers attach to competitive tendering as a means of saving money which can then be used for local health care. I understand that the regional health authority is to consider the next step in the light of this. Ministers cannot accept that Leeds Eastern health authority is so over-funded that it could not benefit from testing the costs of its support services by competitive tendering.