§ 24 Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Health how many cases of excessive prescribing by medical practitioners have been reported to him each year since the National Health Service commenced; and in how many of these cases was action taken.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithPrima facie evidence of excessive prescribing was reported to my right hon. Friend in respect of 300 doctors in 1950–51, 263 in 1952, 320 in 1953. Of these, 852 were visited by his medical officers and substantial reductions of cost resulted thereafter. The prescribing of 17 was referred in accordance with Regulations 2416 to the local medical committee. So far, in nine cases sums ranging from £25 to £250 have been withheld from the doctors' remuneration.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIn about 80 per cent, of the cases after investigation it was thought that there was no evidence of excessive prescribing; in the case of the remaining 20 per cent., 17 were referred out of 852 investigated, and in nine of those action was taken—about 1 per cent.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopCould the Minister say whether they are intending here in England to follow the excellent example, in this case, of Scotland in setting up an area average for prescribing in order to encourage doctors to check between one and another?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThat matter must be looked at when we have caught up with the general prescribing.