§ 10. Captain W. BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a financial appeal which has been issued on behalf of the London hospitals alleging, among other reasons, for their poverty the high cost of drugs; and whether drugs used for hospitals are subject to the duties imposed by the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am aware of the appeal to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. A certain number of medicinal chemicals used in hospitals are subject to duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and in this connection I would refer to the answer which I gave 1766 to the hon. Member for the Western Isles on the 31st October last.
§ Captain BENNIs not part of the poverty of the hospitals caused by the duties imposed on drugs?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not think so.
Dr. MURRAYIs it not a fact that part of the £500,000 granted by the Government has been swallowed up by the extra price of scientific equipment, drugs, and other articles?