§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will investigate the increase in prices between March and May of sodium bicarbonate supplied to the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [41024]
§ Mr. MilburnWe understand there is a single supplier of sodium bicarbonate capsules 500 milligrammes in the United Kingdom. The company concerned increased its 99W list price from £2.05 to £30.56 for 100 capsules between March and April 1998. Officials have written to the company seeking a justification.