HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc563-4
50. Mr. G. Longden

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give any information about the results of the steps he has taken to encourage doctors to reduce the cost of their prescribing in order to release funds for improvements elsewhere in the National Health Service.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Yes, Sir. While the average cost of a prescription has hitherto increased progressively every year since the National Health Service started, I am glad to say that in August the estimated cost fell to about 1½d. less than in August, 1952. This was maintained in September and there was a further reduction to 2d. in October.

I am glad to have this opportunity to thank the Joint Committee on Prescribing for their valuable work in classifying preparations, and the General Medical Services Committee of the British Medical Association and the whole body of general practitioners for their co-operation in producing this encouraging result.

Mr. Longden

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this very satisfactory result follows upon the advice given to general practitioners about prescribing drugs of doubtful therapeutic value?

Mr. Macleod

It seems almost certain that the two are linked, because the letter to which my hon. Friend refers was sent out by my Chief Medical Officer on 18th July, and the first noticeable drop was in the month following.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving instructions to doctors not to prescribe certain drugs if there is an equivalent in the National Formulary?

Mr. Macleod

I think that would be too big an interference with the ordinary discretion of doctors. In view of the satisfactory results of co-operation, I think we should continue along these lines.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that this is precisely the practice in Scotland?

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can the Minister say, in judging what sort of savings have been effected, whether the number of prescriptions has gone up or down?

Mr. Macleod

My impression is that the number itself is about the same, but I will give details if the hon. and gallant Gentleman wants them.