HC Deb 03 March 1958 vol 583 cc828-30
23. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in certain cases patients on grounds of expense are collecting fewer than the total number of items on their prescription forms; and, in view of the danger to health that may arise where the complete script is not supplied, what steps he proposes to take.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I have no evidence that this is happening, and do not consider that any special steps are necessary.

Mrs. Jeger

If I send the right hon. and learned Gentleman evidence that this is happening, and happening frequently, will he look into it? Why is he not aware that there are chemists in the London area who find this happening about once a week, are being put in an impossible position, and are sending the prescription form to the executive council clearly marked, "N.S. not supplied"? Why does he not know about these things?

Mr. Walker-Smith

My experience is that normally Ministers and Government Departments are very quickly told by letter or otherwise when things are thought to have been going wrong. All I am saying is that we have not received any evidence, by letter or otherwise, to this effect; but if the hon. Lady has any evidence to put before me, I shall naturally consider it with the greatest care.

Dr. Summerskill

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman made investigations among chemists? Has any person in his Department asked chemists in the London area, where my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) lives, whether this is so or not?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not think it would be appropriate to carry out a sort of roving inquiry, unless we start with the firm base of some evidence supplied by somebody.

43. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Minister of Health whether he will authorise the use of a specially coloured prescription form for patients suffering from agreed chronic diseases, which would entitle them to obtain all the items prescribed on payment of a single shilling.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not think such a scheme would be practicable.

Mrs. Jeger

Why not?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Primarily, as the hon. Lady will appreciate, because the doctor would be put in an impossible position in deciding whether to prescribe on a coloured form, for it is not practicable to lay down a standard list of conditions.