As Roy Lilley (NHSManagers.net) points out the move to source around 30% off all diagnostic tests from the private sector (to reduce waiting lists) is yet one more indicator that the strategic intent of this Govt (as past Govt.s) is to shift the NHS from provider to purchaser of health care services.
Buts as Lilley points out:
this creates a free-ride problem in health-related training;
increases regulatory/oversight costs; and
undermines/fragments a coherent health service!