§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether circular HC/83/18 issued to Bolton and other health authorities was advisory or 293W obligatory; what action he contemplated in cases of non-compliance; what named authorities in England have not complied with the circular; and what action has been taken, or what action is contemplated, in each case.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe circular made it clear that all health authorities were expected to comply with our policy on competitive tendering. To date three health authorities—Brent, Greenwich and Lewisham/North Southwark—have refused to draw up programmes. Two others—Leeds Eastern and Rotherham—have suspended their programmes. We are satisfied that the actions currently being taken by regional health authority chairmen and regional general managers will result in satisfactory programmes being drawn up by those authorities. It is too soon to consider what further action we might take, but we are satisfied that my right hon. Friend has sufficient powers should they be needed.