§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many National Health Service operations to implant a pacemaker took place in the last year for which figures are available; and what is the approximate average cost of this operation.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe estimate that in 1985 (the latest year for which we hold information centrally), there were 6,360 operations to insert pacemakers.
The average cost, based on a study by Trent regional health authority, is approximately £1,700 for the first implantation and £1,500 for a replacement, at 1986–87 prices.