§ 29. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the volume of health care586W being purchased by the NHS from private hospitals and the criteria employed in making a decision to outsource health care. [151978]
§ Mr. DenhamThe most recent figures for 1999–2000 indicate that £1.41 billion or 5.0 per cent. of total NHS expenditure on hospital and community services was spent with the private sector. It is for local commissioners and providers to confirn for themselves that the services provided by the pm ate sector are of sufficiently high quality and cost-effective.