HC Deb 06 March 1958 vol 583 cc159-60W
Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health the cost of drugs used in hospitals during the first complete year of the operation of the National Health Service, and in the latest available year.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Expenditure on drugs and dressings in hospitals in England and Wales in the financial years ended 31st March, 1950, and 31st March, 1957, was £7.4 million and £11.7 million respectively. Information is not separately available about drugs but for the year ended 31st March, 1957, expenditure is estimated to have been about £8.7 million.