§ Mr. Allenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been saved in cleaning, laundry and catering by competitive tendering in the Nottingham health authority since the programme began.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information available centrally relates to total annual savings generated by competitive tendering exercises for catering, domestic (cleaning) and laundry services. As at 31 March 1987, Nottingham health authority had reported total annual savings generated of £1.4 million.
§ Mr. Allenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the progress of his competitive tendering policy.
§ Mr. NewtonIn general, yes. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 14 July which sets out the good progress made by health authorities in England in putting their domestic (cleaning) catering and laundry services out to tender. As at 31 March 1987, this has resulted in annual savings generated of £93.3 million.