§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what areas of her Department's responsibilities she has introduced, or may introduce, private finance; and if she will describe in each case the procedures by which private finance is sought.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe private finance initiative is intended to apply to all services which are traditionally provided by Government Departments. The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will increase the scope for using private finance in the national health service to improve and extend both patient and support services. The Department is urgently considering how best to apply the initiative on the basis of the guidance which has been published by the Treasury. My officials will send out a letter to all NHS directors of finance inviting them to take full advantage of this initiative. I shall place a copy in the Library.