HC Deb 14 April 1969 vol 781 cc777-8
19. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he plans to amend Regulation 27 of the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations, 1966, so that the present one mile rule covering dispensing by doctors is replaced by an arrangement more convenient to patients.

Mr. Crossman

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State indicated in the debate on the Consolidation Fund (No. 2) Bill on 25th March, I expect very shortly to announce a decision.—[Vol. 780, c. 1450–3.]

Mr. Fortescue

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply. Will he do everything possible to speed things up? It is a long time since the Government announced their policy in regard to this demarcation dispute between two honourable professions, both of which would welcome a decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Crossman

I appreciate that the delay has been unfortunate, but it is the result of new Ministers coming in. It has taken some time to learn both sides of the dispute, and I can tell the hon. Gentleman that it is not an easy decision to take.