HC Deb 22 December 1982 vol 34 cc607-8W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the Hong Kong Attorney-General decided in June that no charges would be made following the independent commission against corruption investigation into defective medical equipment at the Prince Philip dental hospital.

Mr. Rifkind

It would be inappropriate for me to make statements about the facts of individual investigations by the independent commission against corruption, including whether or not consideration has been given to possible prosecution.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the investigation made by the independent commission against corruption into defective equipment now in use at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong.

Mr. Rifkind

A separate investigation is at present in progress. It would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Hong Kong Government will carry out the inspection into the defective equipment at the Prince Philip dental hospital.

Mr. Rifkind

At the request of the board of governors of the Prince Philip dental hospital, the Hong Kong Government have appointed a team of experts to investigate the engineering safety aspects of all medical and related equipment at the Hospital. The investigation is now in progress. It will cover any equipment which may in any other respect be defective.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what equipment has been found defective at the Prince Philip dental hospital., Hong Kong; and what action has been taken to rectify faults;

(2) what is the cost of the equipment installed at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong, which is considered to be defective; and the estimated cost of replacement, repair or modification;

(3) what was the country of manufacture of the equipment found to be defective at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong.

Mr. Rifkind

Until the team of experts referred to in my answer to the hon. Member's previous question has completed its investigations, it is not appropriate for me to give an answer to these questions.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what system of tendering was used for the purchase of (a) the equipment in the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong, which was found to be defective and (b) other equipment in the hospital.

Mr. Rifkind

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave earlier.

Tenders for specialised dental equipment were invited by the University of Hong Kong by public notice in the Hong Kong Givernment Gazette and selection, on the recommendation of the university, was by a special committee of Hong Kong Government and university representatives. Tenders for standard furniture and equipment were by sealed bids invited by open tender.