§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health what proportion of the total usage in hospitals in the United Kingdom of finished textile products is represented by articles made from imported cloth as against domestic production in the years 1964 to date.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI regret this information is not available.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made to. wards rationalising the system of bulk purchasing of textile items and clothing, for use by both patients and staff in hospitals, through hospital supplies committees; whether such committees will be placed on a regional basis; and how many such committees will be established.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonHospital authorities have been encouraged to set up joint and area purchasing arrangements for supplies items, including textiles, and 109W much progress has been made in recent years. I shall shortly be issuing a memorandum inviting each regional hospital board to set up a regional supplies committee and to submit for approval plans for the organisation of purchasing throughout the region.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health what action has been taken for the standardisation of specifications for construction, types and sizes of textile items for use in hospitals; and what consultations have taken place with manufacturers and suppliers.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonFive specification working groups have been set up to consider textile items; three have submitted reports which are being considered and the other two will be reporting shortly. The groups consult with industry as necessary.