§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria he looks for in awarding contracts to small suppliers of medical and surgical sundries, as compared with those of the multinationals.
§ Mr. John PattenThe same criteria for awarding contracts in the NHS apply to all suppliers of medical products; most of whom are small companies. The criteria are set out in a letter sent by the Health Service Supply Council to all NHS regions in September 1981. The letter is reproduced in the council's first annual report, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.