HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 c356W
42. Dr. Reid

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement concerning competitive tendering in the National Health Service in Scotland.

56. Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of his plans for competitive tendering in the Health Service in Scotland.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Health boards have made significant progress. By the end of October 140 contracts, largely for domestic and catering services, had been awarded and these are expected to release savings of more than £53 million over the periods of the contracts for reinvestment in direct patient care. Of the 140 contracts awarded, 110 (nearly 80 per cent.) have been won by the in-house teams. These account for more than £36 million (nearly 68 per cent.) of the savings released. The total savings released could buy over 8,400 kidney dialysis machines or pay for 18,000 hip replacement operations or about 4,750 heart by-pass operations.

61. Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what extra resources will be available as a result of competitive tendering in the Scottish Health Service over the next three to four years.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The contracts awarded before the end of October are expected to release savings of more than £53 million over the periods of the contracts for reinvestment in direct patient care. These savings could buy over 8,400 kidney dialysis machines or pay for 18,000 hip replacement operations or about 4,750 heart by-pass operations.

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