§ 39. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health why he is proposing to reduce the amount of central purchasing of general medical and surgical stores and appliances, and drugs and vaccines in the current financial year, in view of the economies that have been effected by central purchasing in the past.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe reduction in estimated expenditure on these supplies in 1953–54 is due mainly to revision of the estimated amount of direct purchases for other Government Departments. The amount of central purchasing and contracting for the National Health Service has not been reduced.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopAre we to understand from that reply that there has been no change of policy to encourage a gradual development in suitable fields of central purchases for the Health Service?
§ Mr. MacleodIf I can secure economies through this method or any other I shall do so.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopFor which Government Departments is it proposed to reduce central purchases, and for what reason?
§ Mr. MacleodIn those matters I act as agent for other Government Departments. It is no part of my business to control the financial arrangements they make. I act as their agent.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThe right hon. Gentleman might at least let us know to which Government Departments he is referring,
§ Mr. MacleodI have said that in this field the Health Service is not being reduced at all, which was the main question I know the hon. Gentleman had in mind. There are certain agency arrangements, many of which may have been for stockpiling for strategic reasons, for example, which no longer have to be continued. If the hon. Gentleman would like to know about any particular Department, clearly the Question must go to that Department.