HC Deb 20 June 1995 vol 262 cc202-3W
27. Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total saving of contracting out services to date. [27738]

Mr. Sackville

Cumulative total savings since 1983 as a result of market testing National Health Service services is now estimated to be in excess of £1 billion. The improved value for money achieved has released additional resources for spending on direct patient care services.

Detailed information on savings of £7.7 million arising from the Department of Health's market testing programme to 30 September 1994 was published on 9 January 1995 in the "Market Testing Bulletin Special Report", copies of which are available in the Library.