HC Deb 26 June 1996 vol 280 cc119-20W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make an announcement on the progress of the sale of the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. [34972]

Mr. Freeman

The House was informed on 23 November last year that it was the Government's intention to sell the Occupational Health and Safety Agency as a single viable business in a way which would ensure that it retained its reputation for the provision of high-quality occupational health services to Government Departments and the wider public sector while allowing it to benefit from the freedom and opportunities for attracting new customers to be gained outside the constraints of operating within Government.

A large number of expressions of interest were received following the advertisement of the sale in May this year. These have subsequently been reduced through an indicative bid procedure. A final shortlist of four has now been selected. Those being invited to submit final bids are:

  • Occupational Health Care (OHC)
  • Healthcall Group PLC
  • Facilities Services Group
  • BMI Healthcare.

I believe that this shortlist will lead to final bids which maximise the prospects of securing good long-term value for money for the Government and taxpayer while meeting the objectives set for the sale of the business.