§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements exist for central purchasing of equipment for hospitals in the National Health Service; if his Department exercises quality control over such equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThere are central contracting arrangements for a large range of medical and non-medical equipment used in National Health Service hospitals. Suppliers who are themselves responsible for the quality control of equipment, are normally vetted prior to acceptance for central contracting and, in appropriate 141W cases, my Department carries out a checking procedure by examining equipment supplied to ensure that it meets the specification. Advice is also available from my Department to health authorities about equipment bought outside these arrangements.