HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 c2136
16. Mr. Douglas Houghton

asked the Minister of Health whether his regulations authorise a doctor in the National Health Service to tell a patient that he is forbidden to prescribe the drug he considers most suitable for treatment on the grounds of cost, but that he may prescribe it privately on payment.

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir. A general practitioner is required by his terms of service to prescribe such drugs as he thinks requisite for the treatment of any patient, but the cost of his prescribing should not exceed what is reasonably necessary for proper treatment.

Mr. Houghton

Will my right hon. Friend say what is the remedy of the patient if confronted with this situation?

Mr. Bevan

He has the remedy of changing his doctor.

Mr. Hastings

is it not illegal for a practitioner to give private treatment, for which he is paid, to one of his National Health Service patients?

Mr. Bevan

Yes, it is illegal.