HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc352-3W
24. Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve purchasing and supply practices in hospitals and primary healthcare trusts. [116547]

Mr. Hutton

The national health service Purchasing and Supply Agency is leading a major reorganisation across the service. A middle tier of supply management confederations, run locally by healthcare trusts, will improve performance of their non-pay spend. To date, there are six pilots and 18 other developing confederations.