§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department gave Wessex regional health authority on the inclusion of penalty clauses and performance guarantees in contracts negotiated between the health authority and Wessex Integrated Systems Ltd./CFM Health Systems; what steps were taken to ensure that this advice was followed; and what assessment she has made of the results.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Department of Health issued guidance on good practice in the field of national health service computer procurement in 1987. This guidance is currently being reviewed by a joint working party of the Department and the NHS Supplies Authority and new guidance is expected to be issued soon.
The Department also gave advice on various contractual matters to Wessex at its request.
I understand that the contract between Wessex Regional Health Authority and WIS/CFM is now the subject of legal action.