§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place a copy in the Library of the Touche Ross feasibility study on the sale of the Estatecare division of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority; what is the deadline for the preparation of documents and decisions on the sale procedure; and if the sale will be advertised(a) throughout the European Community and (b) will be in accordance with the Public Services Contracts Regulations 1993 and the EC supply and services directive.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe report has been commissioned by the authority for its own use. The exercise is expected to be completed during the next financial year in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision he had made for the market-testing of(a) the work carried out by the whole of the Estatecare group of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority and (b) its constituent parts; what procedures he has put in place for ensuring the equal comparison between public sector and private sector bids for the work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThis is currently being considered by the authority which expects to report to me in April.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultation he has had with the health trusts and authorities in Wales with respect to the pros and cons of(a) market-testing and (b) outright sale of the Estatecare branch of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority; if he will make arrangements for publication of the views of those consulted on the modus operandi for preparation for sale; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodNone. The authority is considering options in discussion with the relevant NHS bodies.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the names of those on the project board charged with following the instructions in relation to the82W preparation for sale of the Estatecare group of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe project board set up to advise WHCSA on the feasibility of privatising the Estatecare group includes:
- Mr. K. C. White, non-executive member, WHCSA (chairman)
- Mr. Colin Hughes Davies, chairman, Glan Hafren NHS trust
- Mr. E. F. Lloyd Fitzhugh, chairman, Gofal Cymuned Clwydian Community Care NHS trust
- Mr. A. Beddow, chief executive, West Glamorgan health authority
- Mr. N. Kirk, chief executive, WHCSA
- Mr. J. I. Cook, managing director Estatecare Group
- Mr. L. V. Wood, chief executive, Gofal Cymuned Clwydian community care NHS trust
- Mr. E. Kinsella, chief executive, Wrexham Maelor Hospital NHS trust
- Mr. R. Wheeldon, director of facilities, Swansea NHS trust
- Mr. R. Badman, director of development and facilities, University Hospital of Wales and Cardiff Royal Group
- Mr. S. Fletcher, chief executive, Pembrokeshire NHS trust
- Mr. R. C. Williams, Welsh Office (observer)
- Mr. D. Simpson, project manager, WHCSA
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision he has made for the employees of the Estatecare group of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority to be allowed financial, accountancy and legal assistance for a management led employee buyout.
§ Mr. RedwoodThis is a matter for the authority.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision he will make to ensure a continuation of the independent steriliser testing services of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority in the event of a successful sale of the Estatecare division of Welsh Health Common Services Authority.
§ Mr. RedwoodThis will be taken into account at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many inquiries there have been to date with a view to possible purchase of the Estatecare division of Welsh Health Common Services Authority.
§ Mr. RedwoodEight.