§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to NHS trusts on market testing of(a) laundry, (b) cleaning and (c) catering services. [138448]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 15 November 2000]The abolition of compulsory market testing of laundry, cleaning and catering services in the National Health Service was announced in September. Under new guidance to be published in due course NHS trusts will be required to demonstrate value for money in terms of quality, cost and patient satisfaction across all their support services.