§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much the real price of (a) a pathology autoanalyser, (b) a head X-ray, (c) a mobile X-ray unit and (d) radiotherapy equipment has increased since 1965 or the nearest year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. John PattenDetailed historical information about the prices paid by health authorities for particular items of equipment is not held by the Department. However, major manufacturers of the equipment in question have been contacted and have provided the following estimates of price changes:
- (a) Pathology autoanalyser: 40 per cent. increase between 1965 and 1983;
- (b) Head X-ray: 600 per cent. increase between 1965 and 1983;
- (c) Mobile X-ray unit: 40 per cent. increase between 1978 and 1983 (latest available information);
- (d) Radiotherapy equipment: 1,000 per cent. increase between 1965 and 1983.
No adjustment has been made for inflation, but over the period 1965–1983, the general index of prices paid in the NHS showed an increase of 643 per cent. Over the period 1978–83 the increase was 80 per cent. Further factors to be taken into account when comparing prices are the significant improvements in methods of manufacture and in the design and performance of medical equipment that have taken place since 1965.