HC Deb 14 July 1949 vol 467 c648
36. Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the practice of commercial firms advertising that their particular appliances can be obtained entirely free of charge under the National Health Service, and offering, if names and addresses are sent to them, to advise applicants of procedure; and whether he will introduce legislation to put an end to this practice.

Mr. Bevan

Action has already been taken to stop advertising in connection with hospital appliances, and similar steps are being considered to cover others supplied through the National Health Service.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Would the right hon. Gentleman indicate the nature of the action, if I send him information of a recent incident?

Mr. Bevan

I should have thought the answer would be that the hospital authorities would not buy appliances from the companies which offended.