HC Deb 08 April 1976 vol 909 c319W
Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the instructions issued by her Department to area health authorities regarding the purchase of hospital equipment manufactured in the United Kingdom in preference to similar products imported from abroad.

Dr. Owen

Health authorities have been made aware of the United Kingdom's obligation under EEC Directive No. 70/32 not to discriminate against goods offered by a firm domiciled in a member State. Authorities have however been asked to ensure that all British alternatives to foreign goods are fully considered. In particular they are asked to take account not only of price but of other commercial criteria such as quality, design, performance, speed of delivery, availability of spares and maintenance and convenience of inspecting production; and to purchase home products if they represent at least equal value for money in the short or longer term.

Health authorities have addditionally been asked to ensure that tenders for textiles specify the country of origin of the goods offered.

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