HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 c184W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost to date to the National Health Service of supplies of whooping-cough vaccine since the start of the immunisation programme; and if he will break down the total cost into the value of the contracts for each of the manufacturers supplying the health service.

Mr. Ennals

From its inception 20 years ago the whooping-cough immunisation programme has been operated by local health authorities, and the costs of their vaccine purchases are not available centrally.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which of the manufacturers supplying the National Health Service with whooping-cough vaccine supplied the batch to the Dorset Area Health Authority from which Tanya Price was vaccinated at Dr. Brown's surgery, 20 St. Leonard's Road, Charminster, Dorset, on the 13th August 1975; what was the number of the batch concerned; and if it is the usual policy for areas to receive supplies from the same manufacturer on a continuing basis.

Mr. Ennals

The manufacturer was Lister Institute, and the batch number 908P/59. It is the responsibility of each area health authority to make arrangements for supplies through the usual commercial channels. I regret that no information is available centrally regarding the practice of individual area health authorities.