Health Services Accreditation

HC Deb 31 July 1998 vol 317 cc794-5W

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the time scale for the disposal of Health Services Accreditation; [48680]

(2) what criteria will be used to judge the best offer for Health Services Accreditation; [48685]

(3) how many expressions of interest in Health Services Accreditation had been received by the closing date for application; [48683]

(4) what is the process to be used for the disposal of Health Services Accreditation. [48684]

Mr. Boateng

Health Service Guidelines "NHS Trading Agencies: Future Arrangements" HSG 94/54, copies of which are available in the Library, are being applied to judge the best offer and to dispose of Health Services Accreditation. This says "the objective should be to ensure the best long-term value for money for the NHS".

The date for the receipt of formal proposals from interested organisations was 30 June 1998. The evaluation panel met for the first time in mid-July to consider these proposals and agree a timetable for the disposal of Health Services Accreditation. Prior to the closing date, 32 expressions of interest had been received of which 5 have proceeded to formal proposals.