§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if self-governing hospital trusts are exempt from compulsory competitive tendering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartThe Government's position on market testing is set out in the White Paper, "Competing for Quality", and trusts have been asked to take account of this. The Government will be monitoring the position to ensure that the benefits of obtaining best value for money are realised in order to improve patient care.