Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many contracts of what value were signed by NHS commissioners with non-NHS providers in 2009-10.

The Department does not collect information on which providers have been awarded contracts at local level.

It is for local commissioners to decide how best to secure local services and take a decision on which are the most capable providers to deliver those services in the best interests of their patients. There is no requirement for commissioners to put all services out to competitive tender.

Whether NHS services are provided by the public, voluntary or private sector, they remain publicly funded and free at the point of delivery with access based on clinical need.