My honourable friend the Minister of State (Andy Burnham) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

The annual report and accounts of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency has today been laid before Parliament and the agency's business plan for the coming year has been placed in the Library.

The business plan has been formulated within the context of the agency's corporate plan as NHS procurement undergoes major changes in order to deliver greater value in NHS expenditure. Buildingon the success of the Supply Chain Excellence Programme the agency will seek greater efficiencies within NHS procurement. The agency will become less involved in operational aspects of procurement but will undertake a stronger and more focused role in setting the strategic direction.

The agency will develop its capabilities to ensure that it is equipped to play an enhanced policy leadership and influencing role within the NHS and develop the centre for evidence-based purchasing to allow it to provide the evidence to guide purchasing decisions. The business plan sets out clearly how the agency will monitor and measure its success.