§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will institute an inquiry into the practice which has arisen in sales promotion of pharmaceutical products by the provision of free luncheons, dinners and drinks to doctors by drug companies at gatherings held in National Health Service hospitals; the number of companies concerned and the number of occasions in the Central Middlesex Hospital Group; how this expenditure is allowed for in the voluntary price regulation scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephI am making further inquiries and will write to the hon. Member. In 1972 there were 36 occasions in the Central Middlesex Group in which 28 pharmaceutical manufacturers were involved. The cost is not separately accounted for in voluntary price regulation scheme returns.