§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland 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 Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayInformation on total expenditure in these areas is not readily available. Nor do health board accounts distinguish expenditure on services provided by private companies.