HC Deb 10 March 1958 vol 584 cc19-20
37. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health what is the average cost per prescription issued under the National Health Service as at the latest available date; how this compares with the cost one year and two years previously; and what analysis has been made to establish the cause of any increase.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Approximately 6s. 1d. in December, 1957, as compared with 5s. 6½d. in December, 1956, and 4s. 7½d. in December, 1955. Examination of representative samples of prescriptions shows that the main reason for the increase in December, 1956, and subsequently was the prescribing of larger quantities. Since December, 1955, the cost has also been affected by the prescribing of certain expensive preparations which had not previously been available.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that this is a confession that the increased perscription charge has resulted in higher costs to the nation because of the larger quantities his Department encourages doctors to prescribe? Will he not meet the problem sensibly by withdrawing the charge?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Although there is a higher prescription charge, partly due to the larger quantities but also partly due to the new drugs, the number of prescriptions in 1957, even with the influenza epidemic, dropped substantially below the number of prescriptions in the previous year.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend taking any steps to make the medical profession more cost-conscious? For instance, is he ensuring that an essential part of all medical training is instruction in the economics of medical treatment under the National Health Service?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Yes, Sir, I have that point very much in mind in view of the recommendation of the Select Committee on Estimates, on which my hon. Friend sat. In addition, we also have the Committee at work under the chairmanship of Sir Henry Hinchliffe, and I am looking forward to receiving its recommendations.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree, in spite of the fact that there is a reduction in the number of prescriptions, that the increased quantities in prescriptions have resulted in a very considerable increased charge to the community, and therefore does he not agree it is time we abolished the charge?

Mr. Walker-Smith

No, Sir, I do not think that conclusion follows from the position as we have it now. There are certain respects in which the prescription of large quantities is justifiable, as I explained to the right hon. Lady earlier this afternoon. If there is over-prescription on unjustifiable occasions, that is one of the things we shall hope to deal with after having the advantage of the advice of Sir Henry Hinchliffe's Committee and any other advice we may receive.