§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of oxygen and other gases used for health purposes in the United Kingdom are purchased by the National Health Service and regional health authorities and district health authorities; what proportion is purchased by suppliers of private medical services; how much is paid directly or indirectly to the British Oxygen Company by the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeInformation on the percentage of oxygen and other gases used in the National Health Service compared with the private medical services is not available centrally. British Oxygen Company is the major supplier of medical gases to the National Health Service. The annual value to British Oxygen Company of this business in the United Kingdom is currently estimated to be about £16 million.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that prices paid for oxygen and other gases used in the National Health Service and paid for directly or indirectly by the National Health Service are no higher than the most favourable terms offered to any private hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not regard such steps as necessary. BOC Ltd., which supplies virtually all of the medical gases used in the National Health Service, has assured our officials that medical gases are not offered to other consumers on terms more favourable than those negotiated for the NHS. The level of profit allowed to BOC under present NHS pricing arrangements is under review.