§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any representations from manufacturers of sterile intravenous fluids in the United Kingdom about the effect of health authorities' contractual policies on their viability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have had no direct representations from manufacturers, but two hon. Members have written to me. I understand that three manufacturers of intravenous fluids have since made representations to the Health Service supply council, which is responsible for National Health Service supplies policy, claiming that a competitor is underpricing its products. The council has found no reason to amend the advice it gave to health authorities in 1983 about contracting for these fluids. I understand too that one firm has made a reference to the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading.