is that it helps
at least to make explicit the likely consequences of certain policy decisions. An example is
the case of child-proofed drug containers, estimated in the early 1970's to cost half a million
pounds each year. The government at first thought the cost was too high, but were
persuaded to meet it when it was argued they would save some sixteen thousand
admissions to hospital and perhaps twenty deaths each year. This is an example of a more
efficient way to avoid problems which are detrimental to welfare - though the fact the
calculation had to be made raises questions about the apparent value placed on a child's
life.