§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the net sum received from pharmaceutical manufacturers under the voluntary price regulation scheme in 1971–72 and the percentage this represents of the total purchase of pharmaceutical products for the National Health Service in England.
§ Sir K. JosephThis information is not readily available. The following estimates relate to medicines used in the United Kingdom, including those used in hospitals but excluding the remuneration of pharmacists and the cost of appliances:—
1971 1972 £ £ Estimated costs 200 million 230 million Estimated annual value of price increases 2.5 million 2.6 million Estimated annual value of price reductions 1.2 million 1.4 million Lump sum payments from companies 100,000 47,000