§ 40. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Health if he has made inquiries into the extent to which quantities of medicine, etc., are supplied to National Health Service patients in excess of their real needs; and what instruction he has issued in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopInvestigations are proceeding in a number of cases. If doctors are thought to have prescribed medicine in excess of what is reasonably necessary the case is referred to the local medical committee and, if the facts are proved, money can be withheld from the doctor's remuneration. The position is governed by Statutory Instruments 1948 No. 507, Regulation 12.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it often a fact that these cases occur when the doctor does not prescribe the amount to be given to the patient, and would it not be a good idea to see that the doctor does prescribe the proper amount?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThe matter is under full consideration. I hope that these particular cases will be dealt with quite soon.