§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what types of blood products are currently sold by the blood transfusion service outside the United Kingdom; and what is the total value of these contracts every year. [3770]
§ Mr. HoramI refer the hon. Member to the reply that my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) gave to the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 2 November 1995,Official Report, column 455. The value of these exports has never exceeded £5 million in any one year.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors led to the difference between the figures for the National Blood Authority budget for the national blood service quoted in "Plans for the future of the National Blood Service", dated November 1995, and in the National Blood Authority consultation document of August 1994; and if he will make a statement. [3675]
§ Mr. HoramThe figure of £135 million contained in the consultation document is based on actual expenditure in the blood service for the year 1992–93. The figure of £154 million in the November 1995 document is a cost forecast for the current financial year. The difference reflects an average annual increase in the amount of blood supplied of 4 per cent. and a general increase in the level of provision of other services to hospitals.