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Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 3 October 2011.


NHS: Independent Providers

Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether independent providers of NHS services will be public authorities within the meaning of paragraphs 43A and 44 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Answer

Independent sector providers of public services are not public authorities for the purposes of paragraphs 43A and 44 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). However, where National Health Service commissioners, as public authorities, contract with independent sector providers for the provision of healthcare services, the NHS standard contract requires that the provider shall assist and co-operate with each commissioner, in complying with its FOIA obligations, by providing the type of information as regards the provision of those services, which would be disclosable under the FOIA.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11783; 730 c127-8WA
Session
2010-12
Notes
Answer received between Thursday 15 September and Monday 26 September 2011.
Subjects
Health services Freedom of information Private sector NHS
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk