§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the increased estimate of £30 million for the cost of medicines in the National Health Service will go to the drug industry; and if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the increase in the profits shown over the last three years by the supplier of one drug, namely ampicillin.
§ Mr. AlisonThe manufacturers receive about 85 per cent. of the difference which on the latest information is now estimated to be rather less than £30 million. As to the second part of the question, details of a company's profitability are confidential but substantial price reductions in ampicillin have been made by the supplier.