§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how marry regional health authorities import sterilised water from abroad.
§ Dr. OwenRegional health authorities,do not import sterile water directly, but I understand that six regional authorities 'purchase bottled sterile water under regional contracts from a commercial firm which imports from the United States of America. As I have already announced406W in my reply to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Cordle) on 1st May.—[Vol. 891, c. 215–6.]—I am arranging for an inquiry into these matters.
§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will encourage within Great Britain the production of bottled sterilised water for use in NHS hospitals; if she will cease to import it from the United States of America; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenVarious health authorities are developing plans to introduce or increase their own manufacturing facilities for sterile water. There are two commercial suppliers; one already manufactures in this country and the other, who currently obtains supplies from the United States of America, plans to do so later this year. As I have already announced in my reply to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Cordle) on 1st May—[Vol. 891, c.215–6.]— I am arranging for an inquiry into all aspects of this matter.
§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many factories in Great Britain supply the NHS hospitals with bottled sterilised water; and at what cost in the years 1971 to 1974, respectively.
§ Dr. OwenOne commercial firm supplied NHS hospitals with bottled sterile water manufactured in this country, but various health authorities have manufacturing capacity, although this is insufficient to meet current demand. Details of the cost are not available.
§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much bottled sterilised water for use in NHS hospitals was imported from the United States of America in the years 1971 to 1974, respectively; and at what cost.