HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc913-4
45. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give guidance in his "Notes to Prescribes" to general practitioners as to the cost of tranquilliser drugs.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend will certainly consider whether there is any information which general practitioners might find useful if circulated to them in this way.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Could the hon. Lady encourage her right hon. Friend at least to make it quite clear that these drugs may cost anything up to 30s. or 35s. for a bottle of fifty of doubtful value, and that it is about time something was done about it?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

As the hon. Member knows very well, "Prescribers' Notes" is supervised by an editorial committee on which the British Medical Association is represented. I agree that this might well be a matter that that committee could consider, but for the most part these drugs have only recently been introduced into this country and it is too early yet to say what effect they are having on prescribing.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the hon. Lady aware that because these drugs have been recently introduced from the United States, they are probably being widely advertised among doctors, and that the matter will soon become out of hand, and she should take action forthwith?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My reply to the first supplementary question indicated that we would refer it to the editorial committee.