HC Deb 12 November 1991 vol 198 cc517-8W
Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the West Midlands regional health authority will re-establish a computer bureau and re-employ ex-Qa Business Services staff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

This is a matter for the West Midlands regional health authority. However, I understand that AT and T ISTEL has acquired some of the assets of Qa Business Services and will ensure the continuity of information technology services to the group of West Midlands health authorities.

Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have taken place between the West Midlands regional health authority, the inter-regional collaboration co-ordinators, Praxis, and the computer firm ICL regarding the transfer of support contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Dorrell

The West Midlands regional health authority has been working closely with the administrative receivers of Qa Business Services to ensure the continuity of computer services contracts with NHS authorities; the responsibility for a successful transfer of contracts and hence a successful sale of Qa Business Services is a matter for the administrative receiver. I understand that AT and T ISTEL has acquired some of the business assets which will ensure the continuity of information technology services.

Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what lessons his Department has drawn for the NHS staff and services, of the recent collapse of Qa Business Services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

Management buy-outs are one of the range of options for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of local services which have been successfully implemented in many parts of the NHS. In the case of the administrative receivership of Qa Business Services, the Department is keeping in close touch with West Midlands regional health authority and will ensure that any wider lessons are shared throughout the NHS.

Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will call for a report from the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority as to the effects on the regional national health service of the collapse of Qa Business Services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

Health services in the west midlands have not been adversely affected by Qa Business Services going into administrative receivership.