HC Deb 02 February 1976 vol 904 c474W
Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was spent on British textiles and how much on imported textiles in 1975, 1974 and 1973, respectively, by the West Midlands Regional Health Authority.

Dr. Owen

In the past no record has been kept of the place of manufacture of textiles purchased by the West Midlands Regional Health Authority. The Authority is now following advice given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last year that authorities should take account of the country of origin in addition to such factors as quality, durability, speed and continuity of delivery, convenience of production inspections and quality control and the conditions under which the goods are produced.