§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many private companies have contacted the NHS executive information desk about market testing of NHS services; and how many such companies are entered on the database in total and by (i) clinical and (ii) non-clinical category. [21757]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe national health service executive's market-testing information desk was established in its present form on 7 April 1995. Since that time, three private companies have contacted the information desk. The market-testing database contains data on approximately 1,100 private companies which have successfully competed for one or more NHS service contracts. While the vast majority would have non-clinical174W contracts, information grouped into a clinical or non-clinical category could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact of market testing in the NHS on staff numbers; and what strategies she proposes to meet any changes. [21758]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe market testing of national health service services has proved to be valuable in improving efficiency and value for money so that more can be made available for patient care. It can affect staffing numbers for any specified service in a wide variety of ways, but, whatever the outcome, the employment rights of staff are protected by both European Community and United Kingdom employment regulations and legislation. Handling the staffing issues that arise from market testing is a matter for local NHS management in accordance with their legal obligations and their assessment of local circumstances and needs.