§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all guidance and other circular letters issued by his Department to health authorities and health authority chairmen on the subject of competitive tendering, indicating the purpose of each communication.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe information requested is
Circular HC(83), 18 September 1983—asked health authorities to test the cost effectiveness of their domestic, catering and laundry services by putting them out to tender; and gave guidance on the procedures they should adopt.DA(83)40, 22 November 1983— attached specimen contracts for domestic and catering services; and told health authorities not to specify rates of pay or conditions of service for contractors staff.Addendum to DA(83)40, 9 March 1984—attached specimen contracts for laundry services.Second Addendum to DA(83)40, 12 October 1984— attached specimen contracts for linen and garment rental services.Letter from Minister for Health to Regional Chairmen, 9 October 1984—explained why it was wrong for health authorities to specify the terms and conditions of service which private contractors should provide for staff working on NHS contracts.Letters from Chairman of NHS Management Board to Regional Chairmen 3 January 1986 gave further advice to assist health authorities to obtain maximum benefits from the policy.