asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he made concerning the price rises for moduretic tables from £17·17 in July 1976, an interim increase to £22·21 which has now been over taken by the present level of £26·65 per 500 tablets; if the present price falls within the terms of his voluntary price regulation scheme; what is his estimate of the total annual increased demand on the National Health Service resources; and if he will make a statement.

The increases were in accordance with the provisions of the voluntary price regulation scheme. Information revealing the volume of sales of individual products to the National Health Service is confidential between the Department and the manufacturers concerned. As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 12th July 1976—[Vol. 915, c. 59–60]—the feasibility of publishing statistics relating to the costs of medicines is being considered.