HC Deb 19 February 1997 vol 290 cc590-1W
Mr. Alan Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what customer service standards are being discussed with the private sector companies shortlisted for the running of the Benefits Agency medical services. [16498]

Mr. Burt

The contract will specify the customer service standards expected of the service supplier. The successful contractor(s) will have a mandatory requirement to meet, as a minimum, the current agency/departmental service standards and any changes which occur to those standards during the life of the contract.

Mr. Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 10 February,Official Report, column 75, if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidance sent to the private companies shortlisted to run the Benefits Agency medical services. [16495]

Mr. Burt

The information has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he proposes to make for independent inspection of the quality standards to be operated by the private companies running the Benefits Agency medical services. [16499]

Mr. Burt

The post contract management arrangements set in place by the Department will allow for the involvement of a medical surveillance group which will comprise external experts and acknowledged specialists. The group will participate in monitoring the quality of the medical service provided.

In addition, the successful contractor(s) will have a mandatory contractual requirement to allow the National Audit Office appropriate access to it(s) records.