Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of suture purchases for use in National Health Service hospitals was procured (a) at hospital level, (b) at area health authority level, (c) at regional health authority level and (d) nationally during 1978–79.
§ Sir George YoungSutures for use in the National Health Service are mainly procured at either hospital or area health authority levels. I am not aware of purchases at regional health authority level; no purchases are made nationally.
I regret that details of the proportions purchased at hospital and area health authority level are not readily available.
Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total expenditure on sutures in National Health Service hospitals during 1978–79; and what proportion of purchases was supplied by British-owned companies.
§ Sir George YoungI regret that the information requested is not readily available.