§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the applicants for the national franchise for NHS catering; and if he will name the successful applicant. [39776]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 1 March 2002]: The initial exercise to examine his proposal identified that further work was required to fully explore the significant and complex issues which a franchise option raises. This work is continuing and, as previously noted any franchise arrangements will be subject to European Union regulations on open competition within the community. Since we have not yet reached this stage there are no applicants.