§ Sir Nicholas LyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much has been spent by the NHS Supplies Authority in the purchase of hearing aids in each of the last five years; [18362]
(2) how much was spent by the National Health Service in purchasing hearing aids from the NHS Supplies Authority in the last five years for which figures are available. [18363]
§ Mr. BoatengThe information is set out in the table.
Total buying-in and sales figures for hearing aids and accessories: last five years Period Buying-in cost (£) Sales(£) Differences (per cent.) 1992–93 18,053,000 18,701,000 3.46 1993–94 19,232,000 20,872,000 7.85 1994–95 18,385,000 21,010,000 12.49 1995–96 18,589,000 20,294,000 8.40 1996–97 18,799,000 21,513,000 12.61