§ 23. Ms Janet AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with UNI Clinical Laboratories, UCL, about the privatisation of NHS pathology services; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleIn accordance with the Government's market-testing policy and private finance initiative trusts and health authorities are encouraged to contract with private health care providers where it can be shown that there are real benefits to patients in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness. In October 1993, I held a meeting with UNI Clinical Laboratories at the company's request, at which these principles were discussed, as part of a series of meetings with national health service and private sector providers regarding the PH and market testing.