Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether Supply Chain Coordination Limited or NHS England has sought advice from or communicated with the Competition and Markets Authority since 1 April 2022 with respect to (1) their purchasing activities in relation to medical devices and technologies, and (2) promoting and safeguarding competition for suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, including through electronic auctions; and if not, why not.

Supply Chain Coordination Ltd (SCCL) complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as a company limited by shares. The SCCL board meeting papers are not shared for commercial sensitivity reasons.

The Act of Entrustment and Service Agreement has recently been updated and will be published by SCCL in due course. This document contains explanations for changes, which are administrative in nature and have no impact on the substance of the arrangements, or any future changes relating to the integration of NHS England and the Department.

SCCL has not sought guidance from the Competition and Markets Authority. All procurement is completed in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. Procurement activity considers the needs of the National Health Service in delivering services and the implementation of Government policy, including Procurement Policy Notes. Electronic Auctions are a form of further competition under a Framework Agreement and are used when appropriate and only after the assessment of other qualitative and quantitative measures. SCCL maintains a team who provide guidance and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in supplying the NHS with clinical goods and services, operates an SME engagement forum, and currently spends approximately £1 billion per annum or 25% with SMEs.