§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to introduce national bulk purchasing in the National Health Service; and what consideration he has given to the dangers in such a proposal that inappropriate specialised equipment may be purchased by officials who are not responsible for its use.
§ Mr. MoyleWe are at present considering the recommendations made in the report of the supply board working group which we discussed recently at a conference with regional health authorities' chairmen and other NHS personnel. The principal recommendation was that there should be a supply council or some other authoritative body to determine supply policies for the National Health Service. It would be for such a body to consider any extension of national purchasing and in doing so to have regard to the dangers that the hon. Member has in mind.