§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what organisation exists in his Department for the sales of medical equipment abroad; how many staff are involved in this activity; what the annual export figures are; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonA branch of 23 officers, headed by an Assistant Secretary, performs the functions of a Production and Sponsoring Department, within the general policies of the Department of Trade and Industry, for the medical supplies industries. The Branch maintains close contacts with Health organisations and activities overseas and has thereby developed a capability to assist the United Kingdom industries in export promotion supplementary to the main services of the Department of Trade and Industry. Assistance is given principally through knowledge of the structure of health organisations and the needs of the professional users in other countries, and the equivalent of the time of 15 civil servants is spent on this work. The Branch does not engage in sales of equipment.
Exports of pharmaceuticals in 1970 were £140 million; medical equipment about £32 million.