§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the system for costing hospital-made sterile solutions used in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinAs I told the House on 3 March—[Vol. 1000, c.116–18]—I am not satisfied at present that costing of pharmaceutical manufacturing in hospitals, including sterile solutions, always takes account of all the relevant factors. I welcome the decision of the South-Western regional health authority to set up a small working group of pharmacists and finance officers to examine the feasibility of introducing a uniform costing system for hospital pharmaceutical manufacturing units. Following production of its report, I expect NHS treasurers will introduce a standard system of costing to be adopted nationally.