§ 22. Mr. Jayasked the Minister of Health if he will amend the regulations so as to enable executive councils to exercise, in respect of hospital prescriptions dispensed by retail chemists, powers similar to those applying to prescriptions issued by general practitioners.
§ Mr. PowellI have no power to do so.
§ Mr. JayAs it appears that this distinction was originally accidental, does not the Minister think that there is a good case for taking this power?
§ Mr. PowellThe distinction is embodied in the structure of the National Health Service Act, and I am not aware that this gap, if it is one, is causing the problem, but if the right hon. Gentleman has a specific case about which he is anxious, I will gladly look at it.
§ Mr. JayIs the Minister aware that I have written to him about a specific case, out of which this question arose?
§ Mr. PowellIn that case, I will see that the right hon. Gentleman gets a reply.
§ Sir H. LinsteadMay I ask my right hon. Friend if there is any reason for thinking that there is any difference in the skill and care shown in the dispensing of prescriptions written by hospital doctors in comparison with those of general practitioners?
§ Mr. PowellNone whatsoever. That is why I see no reason for amending legislation.