§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received concerning the inclusion of Whitley council conditions of service and rates of pay in contracts between the National Health Service and private contractors.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNone.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to how many current contracts between district health authorities and private contractors (a) include, and (b) exclude, Whitley council conditions of service and rates of pay.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are not aware how many health authorities have let contracts with such conditions included, but none should have done so. We have informed health authorities that it is quite wrong to try to536W interfere in this way in the relationship between a contractor and his employees. We do not approve of or support any attempt by a health authority to try to enforce such conditions.