§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what directions have been given to trusts with regard to central purchasing arrangements;
(2) what proposals he has to restructure central purchasing arrangements within the national health service.
§ Mr. DorrellThe National Health Service Supplies Authority was established as a special health authority on 1 October 1991 to provide a comprehensive national supplies service for all national health service units throughout England. Over the next few months it will take over the supplies services currently provided by regional and district health authorities and will operate through a central headquarters and six operating divisions. All national health service units including trusts, will be encouraged to negotiate a service contract with the appropriate division of the authority for the range of supplies services each will require, in expectation of securing best value for money. Trusts will be free to manage their own supplies service but would be expected to demonstrate continuing value for money if they choose to do so.