§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations she has received about Chinese swabs;
(2) what advice her Department is giving to national health service supplies authorities on the purchasing of Chinese swabs.
§ Mr. SackvilleTwo representations have been received. A defective product was withdrawn from use last year and the contract in question was terminated.
No advice has been given on the purchase of divisions swabs from particular sources. The various purchasing of the National Health Service Supplies Authority are aware of the standards to be applied when purchasing surgical dressings, and that sterile dressings should be purchased from suppliers who operate recognised quality assurance systems.