HC Deb 24 February 1988 vol 128 c236W
58. Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the efficiency saving made within the ancillary services of the National Health Service since 1983.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Savings from in-house efficiency measures reported by health boards and the Common Services Agency since 1983 on catering, domestic and laundry services represented 0.6 per cent. of the total expenditure on these services in 1984–85, 1.9 per cent. in 1985–86 and 5.7 per cent. in 1986–87. The total savings by September 1987 were £16.1 million in cash terms.