§ 23. Mr. Alfred C. Bossomasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that when some hospitals under the National Health Service send in requests for a small number of items of equipment, they are now required to take in certain instances no fewer than six dozen of the same article where three only would have been sufficient; and if he will see that this procedure is ended.
§ Mr. CrookshankThe minimum quantities in which goods are delivered to hospitals under the Government contracts to which my hon. Friend refers are fixed at levels likely to effect the maxi- 1150 mum savings. I am aware that, in some cases, these quantities may be too large for small hospitals and I hope shortly to meet this difficulty.
§ Mr. BossomIs the Minister aware that in the case I itemise here they asked for three items and were compelled to take six dozen, which they will not be using for 10 years?