§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the decision of East Cumbria area health authority that the 10 per cent. bonus payable at the Cumberland infirmary must be withdrawn in any tender that staff submit for domestic services in the hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is for local management to decide the basis upon which the in-house tender is submitted. The in-house tender will then be compared with that of other tenderers, and we would expect the lowest bidder to be awarded the contract.