§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on contracts between the Ayrshire and Arran health board and the Dumfries and Galloway health board before the award by the former board of a contract for urology services;
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 23 November 1993]: There is no contract between Ayrshire and Arran health board and Dumfries and Galloway health board for urology—or any other service—for services to Dumfries and Galloway residents. Any contract for services to residents of Dumfries and Galloway is a matter for Dumfries and Galloway health board in conjuction with whichever NHS trust, directly managed unit or other provider from which that board chooses to purchase services.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the re-submitted bids tendered for the urology contract in Ayrshire and Arran were amended by the Ayrshire and Arran health board before a final decision on the bids.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 23 November 1993]: Prior to consideration by the health board, the evaluation panel re-arranged figures in both bids, to ensure a "like for like" comparison in the preparation of its evaluation report. There was no question, however, of the health board itself amending any of the bids before a final decision was taken.