§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the annual total of capital expenditure on new X-ray equipment in England and Wales
714WCurrent rates of mileage allowances are as follows:
in each of the past five years; and what proportion of the equipment was supplied by United Kingdom manufacturers in each of those years.
§ Sir George YoungThe approximate annual total of capital expenditure by the National Health Service on new diagnostic X-ray equipment in England and Wales was as follows:
£ million 1974–75 8.7 1975–76 13.3 1976–77 15.5 1977–78 17.0 1978–79 18.3 Approximately 25 per cent. of this equipment was supplied by United Kingdom manufacturers in each year.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how United Kingdom expenditure on new X-ray equipment has compared with that of other European countries in each of the past five years.
§ Sir George YoungI regret that this information is not readily available.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what funds have been allocated to the newly-formed X-ray equipment assessment centre at King's College hospital.
§ Dr. Vaughan£298,000 has been allocated for the building and the costs of fixed equipment. For the period up to 31 March 1980, £54,000 has been allocated for salaries and running expenses and £165,000 for the purchase of equipment for assessment. The amount of funds to be allocated after 31 March 1980 will be considered nearer that date.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what staff are 715W currently employed at the X-ray equipment assessment centre at King's College hospital; and whether they include a qualified electrical engineer.
§ Dr. VaughanFour staff are currently employed—a physicist, two radiographers, and a project manager who is a qualified electrical engineer experienced in X-ray technology.
Equipment Date of first manufacture Diagnostic generator and Bucky table … … … … New introductions Diagnostic generator … … … … … … … Manufacturers to announce details later in 1979 Wolverson X-Ray Ltd. Telematic 15 remote controlled X-Ray Table with generator 1979 Todd Research Ltd. Type TR motorised mobile X-Ray unit (Capacitor discharge) 1978. Announced to the United Kingdom market 1979 Comparative assessment of the latest versions of the following floating top diagnostic X-Ray tables Philips DL12 … … … … … … … 1975 International General Electric model 73 … … … 1968 Siemens, Multix … … … … … … … 1970 G.E.C. Escort … … … … … … … 1969 C.G.R. Burgoyne 50 … … … … … … 1972
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what other European countries currently maintain an assessment centre for X-ray equipment; and which countries once did but no longer do so.
§ Sir George YoungThe only assessment centre in another European country of which I am aware is in Sweden. I know of no European country which has ceased to run such a centre. A variety of arrangements exist in European countries for the technical testing of X-ray equipment against safety standards.