§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the estimated saving from changing supplies of storage bags for blood; what has been the estimated total cost of replacing the blood stock lost through defective bags; and what action is being taken with regard to those responsible for the decision. [32845]
§ Mr. SackvilleNegotiation of a national contract to replace 14 regional contracts for blood bags led to lower prices from the previous monopoly supplier and introduction of an alternative source of supply with no 341W reduction in product specification. Estimated savings are £700,000 for 1994–95.
The National Blood Authority is urgently investigating the problems that have recently been identified with Tuta bags.