§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence is in his possession regarding the bunching of orders for hospital equipment by hospital purchasing authorities in the last three months of a financial year.
§ Mr. AlisonNone, but balances are spent towards the end of the financial year with the consequence that expenditure on some items during the last quarter is higher than the average.
§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are made for the quality control of hospital equipment produced in the United Kingdom by his Department, or subordinate organisations in the regions.
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§ Mr. AlisonThe Department or hospital purchasing authorities, as appropriate, satisfy themselves that the suppliers of hospital equipment operate suitable quality control and samples are inspected as necessary.
§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are made for the quality control of hospital equipment produced in Pakistan and imported into the United Kingdom by his Department or subordinate organisations in the regions.
§ Mr. AlisonMy Department does not import medical equipment from Pakistan and it would be the responsibility of hospital authorities to satisfy themselves about the quality of any such equipment purchased by them.