§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give, for each year since 1979, the percentage of the expenditure on (a) medical and surgical equipment maintenance, (b) X-ray equipment maintenance, (c) laboratory equipment maintenance, (d) catering, (e) laundry, (f) cleaning, (g) engineering maintenance, (h) building maintenance, (i) grounds, and so on, maintenance, (j) vehicle maintenance and (k) computers, which has been paid to private contractors for services provided to the National Health Service in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe final accounts of health and social services boards do not currently distinguish expenditure on services provided by private contractors and the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.