§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make an order under section 44W 5 of the Prices Act 1974 compelling private hospitals to display their fees and their charges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe relevant powers are in section 4 of the Act, as amended, but I have no plans to make an order for this purpose. I am not satisfied that such a measure would be justified, nor, in view of the wide range of services and treatments provided, that it would be practicable.