§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what his proposals are for the introduction of the private sector into Benefits Agency medical services under the competing for quality agenda. [6251]
§ Mr. BurtWe propose that the work of Benefits Agency medical services, with the exception of policy and adjudication functions is contracted out to the private sector. A competitive tendering process is to he undertaken which will lead to the award of a contract, or contracts, at the earliest opportunity and no later than April 1997.
Details of the successful bidders will be placed in the Library.