§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed list giving the rise in prices and costs of all items of goods or services for which he has to give Ministerial approval or sanction, which has taken place between 18th June, 1970, and Thursday, 11th March, 1971.
§ Sir K. JosephThere have been a number of increases in prices of goods supplied to the National Health Service for which Ministerial approval or sanction was not statutorily required but which were justified to my Department under voluntary arrangements. The main items during this period were increases in prices of ophthalmic lenses equivalent overall to about 5 per cent., and of some proprietary medicines, which added about one-fifth of one per cent. to the total cost of drugs.
I have during the period approved a number of improvements in pay and conditions of service of National Health staff.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will specify for the longest and most convenient period of time since 18th June, 1970, actions that he has taken to reduce the prices of any goods and services which fall within the control of his Department, or for which he has to give Ministerial approval.
§ Sir K. JosephPrices and charges are regularly reviewed.