ABSTRACT
The supplies system in the NHS can only be assessed on the basis of its contribution to the achievement of health care in Britain and its degree of effectiveness when compared with supplies systems in other organisations. Although British Airways deals with approximately one million different products, 50 per cent in value of all their purchasing is aircraft fuel. The purchasing finance system is integrated into the supplies department of the GLC, and all payments to suppliers are made in order of priority, according to the various discounts available. A central purchasing department in London has responsibility-in cooperation with the divisions-for negotiating the principal ICI contracts for supplies to divisions, although more responsibility is now being delegated to divisions' purchasing and supply departments as their processes become more specialised. The purchasing organisation within ICI is split between the divisions and the centre, mainly by their slightly differing roles.
