asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will use his powers under section 57 of the National Health Services Act 1977 to make an order controlling the maximum prices to be charged for any medical supplies required for the purposes of the 1977 Act.

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to my reply to him on 23 July. Discussions aimed at restoring acceptable arrangements without the use of formal powers are continuing.—[Vol. 989, c. 286.]