§ 27. Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the privatisation of services within the National Health Service in Scotland; how many health boards are still refusing to seek private tenders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayMost health boards are complying with the request to test the cost-effectiveness of their support services, in the first instance by putting out to tender the services at headquarters and in a number of hospitals or clinics. I have asked the four boards which have not so far done so to reconsider their position. All boards are due to report progress to me in April.