asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the cost of employing private security firms in the National Health Service; and how these costs compare if the duties are done by directly employed ancillary staff;(2) if he will list in the
Official Report the private security companies which are employed to guard hospitals in the National Health Service.
I regret that this information is not available centrally.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that when redundancies are considered to ancillary staff in the National Health Service, private security personnel will not be called upon to carry out ancillary staff duties.
This is a matter for individual health authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in employing private security staff in National Health Service hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
Health authorities have discretion to provide services either by direct labour or through commercial contracts. It is for authorities to determine the method best suited to local needs and circumstances.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from trade unions objecting to the use of private security firms in hospitals in the National Health Service.
I have received no representations from trade unions. I am replying to letters from two hon. Members who sent me copies of a trade union document.