HC Deb 23 October 1985 vol 84 cc149-50W
Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to meet members of the National Health Service unions to discuss competitive tendering for hotel services in the National Health Service in Wales; what representations he has received from them objecting to competitive tendering; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

I have no plans to meet representatives of the National Health Service unions, from which I have received a limited number of representations. Experience has shown that competitive tendering can improve efficiency and release resources for the benefit of patients.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had discussions with area health authorities in Wales concerning the open competition for catering, domestic and laundry services in the National Health Service in Wales; which area health authorities have declared their willingness to test the cost effectiveness of the area health authorities hotel services by subjecting them to open competition; when he met area health authorities chairmen in Wales concerning open competition; which area health authorities expressed their acceptance of Government guidance concerning this aspect of policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

My right hon. Friend had discussions with the chairmen of district health authorities in Wales last July and all authorities are aware that we require them to take decisive action to test the efficiency and cost effectiveness of their catering, domestic and laundry services. I am aware of delays in implementing some competitive tendering programmes, but I expect all authorities to realise the potential savings which exist in these services.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to meet the South Glamorgan area health authority to discuss competitive tendering for hotel services in National Health Service establishments; if he proposes to direct South Glamorgan area health authority to expose hotel services to open competition; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

I have no plans to meet the South Glamorgan health authority specifically to discuss competitive tendering. The authority is aware of the Government's wishes concerning the testing by competition of catering, domestic and laundry services.