Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 25 October 2005.
Judy Mallaber
Labour, Amber Valley
2:30,
25 October 2005
My right hon. Friend's Department is currently market-testing purchasing and supply functions in the NHS, with the laudable aim of seeking additional savings for front-line care by expanding central purchasing. Will she assure me that no private sector bid will be accepted without a clear demonstration, to the satisfaction of Members of Parliament, that it can persuade more trusts and hospitals to purchase centrally, that the agency concerned is as efficient as NHS Logistics, which is currently expanding, and that all the safety issues have been taken fully into account?