§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the National Health Service was of hip braces imported from the United States of America in each of the last five years. [143805]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton(holding answer 16 December 2003]: This information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons hip braces are not purchased from United Kingdom manufacturers. [143806]
996W
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 16 December 2003]: The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency has a national framework agreement for the supply of orthoses, which includes hip braces. This agreement is available to all national health service trusts and health authorities in England, although it is not mandatory. There are 59 suppliers on the agreement, all of which are based in the United Kingdom.