§ Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what hospitals in the area covered by northern region employ private contractors; what services they provide; what guidelines exist to monitor their performance in laundry cleaning; and whether any private contractors have had their contracts terminated or not renewed because of poor standards of work.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have issued guidance to health authorities on competitive tendering including the need to monitor the performance of contractors. We do not collect centrally the detailed local information requested by the hon. Member.