HC Deb 14 February 1966 vol 724 c905
12 and 13. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Health (1) what steps he is taking to improve the supply of tubes for the Resomax 300,000-volt X-Ray therapy machine; and if he will make a statement;

(2) how many Resomax 300,000-volt X-Ray therapy machines are out of action clue to the delays in the supply of replacement tubes.

Mr. Loughlin

Six Resomax units are temporarily out of action. We have already taken steps to replace two by alternative equipment and to have a replacement tube fitted to a third unit. The manufacturers are making every effort to speed the production of tubes for the remaining units.

Mr. Murray

In thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to consider that the only manufacturers of these tubes have a complete monopoly and that not only have they increased the price, but they have not promised very speedy action? Will my hon. Friend investigate the whole position?

Mr. Loughlin

We appreciate that there has been some difficulty in manufacture. This is because there has been a change from one manufacturer to another. I am not too sure what would be the correct answer concerning the alleged monopoly, but we hope that production will improve in May. The manufacturers have assured us that this will be the case.