§ 51. Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings(a) his Department and (b) any public body for which he has responsibilities have had with any member of the AMI group of companies, The Murrayfield plc., Whatlings plc., and any other operator of private health care in order to discuss the provisions of health care in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have had one meeting with AMI representatives, at their request, and have subsequently visited Ross Hall hospital. There have been two other meetings at which representatives of AMI and the Scottish Home and Health Department were present, to discuss health matters. Meetings are also held from time to time with the bodies which represent private nursing and residential homes. Certain health boards have held discussions about the contribution which private hospitals can make to their own needs and the Common Services Agency has regular discussions with private hospitals about their requirements for blood products.