HC Deb 06 March 1961 vol 636 cc23-5
38. Mr. Pentland

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of individuals, associations and organisations who have made representation to him protesting against the proposed increases in the National Health Service charges; and what has been the nature of his replies.

Mr. Powell

About 900. The replies vary according to the matters raised.

Mr. Pentland

Is the Minister aware that all Members on this side of the House have been inundated with letters from our constituents protesting against these proposed increased charges? Is it not obvious that the majority of the people in the country believe this to be one of the most disgraceful measures ever taken by any Government? In view of this fact, will not he have another look at the matter even at this late stage, bearing in mind the consequences which will arise to millions of the poorest people in this country?

Mr. Powell

On the contrary, I believe that the great majority of people in this country accept and support the priorities which underlie the decision that I announced.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that if he had had the letters that my hon. Friends have received about these increased charges he would never have given the reply that he has just given? Is it possible that we on this side of the House get more letters because the writers are more certain of a sympathetic response?

47. Mr. Oram

asked the Minister of Health how many items are listed in the British National Formulary, 1960; and for how many of these the retail price of the standard quantity is less than 2s.

Miss Pitt

Five hundred and sixty-seven. The second part of the Question cannot be answered exactly, but the number must be very small.

Mr. Oram

Is the hon. Lady aware that it was my own doctor, in whose power to count I have considerable faith, who kindly made the calculation for me from his copy, and he finds that 243 items are less than 2s.? Does this not mean that patients will be required to pay more than the retail price for nearly half the items in the Formulary, and is it not completely unjust to charge an excess price in this way?

Miss Pitt

The number under 2s. is quite small. I am asked about drugs. Those that come readily to mind are calamine lotion, zinc ointment, aspirin tablets and compound codeines. I agree that in many cases dressings may be under 2s. Many of the 567 preparations are listed in several strengths, and this affects their price, and also different chemists may charge different prices for counter sales. It is impossible to give exact information about the preparations patients can obtain for less than 2s.

Mr. F. Harris

Will my hon. Friend appreciate that this is a very real problem requiring thorough investigation because people are being put to great disadvantage as a result of what is being done?

Miss Pitt

The next Question on the Order Paper should be helpful.

48. Mr. Oram

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to ensure that a patient is not required to pay 2s. for an item prescribed under the National Health Service for which the ordinary retail price is less than 2s.

Mr. Powell

I expect the chemist to sell such items at the retail price. Guidance has already been given to chemists by their professional organisation, and I am considering with them what further guidance, if any, is needed.

Mr. Oram

That helpful Answer is much appreciated. The evidence which I produced on the former Question shows that this is a very serious problem, as the hon. Member for Croydon, North-West (Mr. F. Harris) said. Will the right hon. Gentleman give full attention to this matter to make sure that no injustice is done?

Mr. Powell

Certainly. But to put the matter in perspective, may I say that there will be only a small percentage of the items on prescription of which the retail price is under 2s.

Mr. K. Robinson

To get the matter quite clear, is the right hon. Gentleman saying that a chemist is entitled to alter the doctor's prescription and to strike off an item if he can supply it over the counter for less than 2s., because hitherto a number of chemists have been under the impression that in no circumstances are they allowed to alter a doctor's prescription?

Mr. Powell

Yes. The item is marked "Not dispensed" and the prescription form so marked is then returned to the executive council.

Mr. Lipton

Would it not help the House and the public generally to assess the value of the undertaking which the right hon. Gentleman has given if he indicated how many of the National Health Service prescriptions during 1960 cost less than 2s. each?

Mr. Powell

There is a Question on the Order Paper on that matter.

Mr. Lipton

Then answer it.