HC Deb 24 February 1964 vol 690 cc29-30
32. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the concern at the cost of the nation's drug bill, what investigations have been undertaken during the past two years to control the increasing cost without reducing the efficiency of the service, and with what result; what evidence was found for the need of bulk purchasing; and what is being done to introduce this system in all hospitals.

Mr. Braine

Numerous measures are adopted to promote good prescribing practice. The investigation of the prices of proprietary drugs has continued under the voluntary scheme agreed with the industry, and some price reductions have been negotiated. Most drugs for hospitals are already purchased on either a regional or an area basis. A few are purchased centrally.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the fact that, for a considerable time the Comptroller and Auditor General has been criticising the high cost of drugs, is not it regrettable that after so many warnings he is now able to say that the nation's drug bill has rocketed to £100 million a year; that a major aspect of it is that many hospitals are buying individually and some are being charged five times as much, or more, than others for the same tables? Is not it a scandal that after so long money is being paid unnecessarily to rich drug firms while shillings for prescriptions are being squeezed from the sick poor?

Mr. Braine

I am afraid that the reasons for the increase in drug costs are more complex than the hon. Gentleman suggests. The introduction of new and more expensive drugs, some making possible more effective treatment, is a very important factor. The present practice is in accordance with the recommendations of the Messer Report, that purchases should not be made centrally unless there was a distinct advantage to be gained.

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Gentleman deny that the Comptroller and Auditor General has recently made this complaint? If he has, surely the Minister should deal with the question? Either it is right or wrong.

Mr. Braine

I do not deny anything. My Department is all the time adopting measures to control expenditure on drugs. I do not think that the suggestion implied in the hon. Gentleman's Question would have any effect on the total cost for the reasons which I have given. The advice tendered to us originally was that purchases should not be made centrally unless there were distinct advantages to be gained and there are purchases centrally when it is necessary to safeguard supplies and quality and where there is a real price advantage.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply. I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.