§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures were taken in awarding the contract for smallpox vaccines to Powderject, to ensure value for money. [54658]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 8 May 2002]: Since the eradication of smallpox worldwide, new, second-generation smallpox vaccine is not a well-established product subject to normal market pricing pressures. The price quoted by all the companies involved for their products were compared against each other, and the prices were also compared with the price being paid by the United States Government for its smallpox vaccine. Prices were also compared with those for current supplies from old vaccine stocks. On the basis of consideration of all the price information available relating to similar products. the vaccine was deemed to represent value for money at the price quoted.
Major publicly procured schemes operational NHS Trust Value (£ million) Approved to go ahead Operational date Rochdale Healthcare 24.00 14 August 1998 1 August 2000 Central Sheffield University Hospitals 24.00 19 September 1998 1 February 2001
Major publicly procured schemes with tender awarded NHS Trust Value (£ million) Approved to go ahead Planned Operational date Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospital 1 May 2004 75.00 24 August 1998 27 July 2002 Guys and St. Thomas 50.00 19 September 1998 1 May 2004