§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many suppliers there are within the United Kingdom from whom the National Health Service buys X-ray film; how many overseas suppliers there are; what are their countries of origin; what plans he has to secure replacements when the factory of Messrs Ilford closes down; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThere are at present seven suppliers of X-ray films in the United Kingdom who supply the National Health Service under central contract. The suppliers and countries of origin are:
Ilford UK Kodak France Du Pont USA and Germany Agfa Gevaert Belgium Fujimax Japan 3 M Italy and USA John Blisham Sweden Ilford expects to have sufficient stocks to continue to meet NHS orders until 31 March 1981. The loss of the only British manufacturer of X-ray film is regretted.
515WMinisters of the Department of Industry and this Department are to receive a deputation from ASTMS shortly about Ilford's decision to withdraw from this market.