§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is given to health authorities and hospital administrators on the availability of British made equipment.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not issue any general information. We publish reports on the evaluation of medical equipment sponsored by the United Kingdom health Departments, sometimes in the form of a "best buy" guide, in the bulletin "Health Equipment Information". 421W Copies of HEI are issued free to all health authorities. The country of origin of the equipment reported on is always identified.
We also draw the attention of health authorities to new production models of some British made medical equipment through departmental purchase of a -limited number of items which are strategically placed in NHS hospitals. This shop-window effect is enhanced by announcements of equipment type and location in "Health Equipment Information".