HC Deb 24 November 1987 vol 123 cc169-70W
73. Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what contribution to patient care the competitive tendering process is providing in the field of hospital laundry services.

Mr. Newton

All measures which improve cost-effectiveness in the National Health Service, such as competitive tendering, are intended to release resources to improve the service as a whole. As at 30 September 1987, the competitive tendering process in laundry services had generated estimated annual savings of over £8 million in England.