§ 2. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with the negotiations taking place with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry on prices for drugs purchased for the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. R. H. Turton)I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) on 31st October. 1955, and 23rd April last.
§ Dr. SummerskillHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the statement of the Public Accounts Committee on this question of high prices of drugs, and, in view of the statement last week that the price of prescriptions has risen to 4s. 4d., will he tell the House what he proposes to do about the matter?
§ Mr. TurtonAs far as the first part of the supplementary question is concerned, I pay great attention to the reports of the Public Accounts Committee. With regard to the second part, what I said last week was that at the present time my Department and that of my right hon. Friend have submitted to the Association criticisms of its proposals and the industry is now reviewing the proposals in the light of those criticisms. That is what is happening at the moment.