HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc367-8W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals have privatised food providers; what measures are in place to ensure they provide good quality food; and what action can be taken against companies that fail to maintain standards. [115159]

Mr. Lammy

The information requested is not currently collected centrally.

Individual hospitals are responsible for monitoring the quality of food provided, including through regular surveys of patient satisfaction. Contracts with private companies providing catering services in the National Health Service should have clear procedures to be followed in the event that required standards are not achieved or maintained which may ultimately lead to termination of the contract.