To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 20 June 2007, Official Report, column 1929W, on NHS procurement, what mechanisms he plans to set up for patient groups and other stakeholders to make representations directly to NHS supply chain products councils. (153489)

These representations would need to be made in writing to NHS Supply Chain’s Product Council Co-ordinator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2007, Official Report, column 372W, on NHS procurement, under what circumstances the NHS supply chain products councils would raise with NHS Business Services Agency (Supply Chain Management Division) requests for new products to be added to the lists of items to be supplied. (153490)

NHS Supply Chain can contract for any product within all of the product categories currently in-scope and include them in their offer.

Any requests to add new product categories must be made to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) who would request NHS supply chain submit a proposal. The NHS BSA would consider the benefits to the national health service of including the new product category and would liaise with all relevant stakeholders including the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency and the Department prior to approving or denying any request.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms (a) his Department and (b) the NHS Supply Chain have in place to allow patients, clinicians and other stakeholders to appeal against decisions made by the NHS Supply Chain. (153623)

NHS Supply Chain is governed by European Union procurement regulations and complaints can be made directly to the NHS Supply Chain should they be dissatisfied with selection or any other activity which forms part of the tender process.

Any appeal against a decision or issue can be escalated to the NHS Business Services Authority Supply Chain Management Division for resolution.