§ 16. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further representations he has had about the proposed increases in National Health Service charges.
Mr. Edward TaylorMy right hon. Friend has received seven representations aaginst cost-related prescription charges in addition to those from bodies representative of the medical, dental and pharmaceutical professions.
§ Mr. HughesWill the hon. Gentleman confirm that objections to his proposal have been based on clinical grounds, which is a very nice way of covering up the real meaning of his proposals, which would be extremely damaging to the health of the people in Scotland? In view of the representations he has received, will he undertake to withdraw this grotesque and unacceptable policy?
Mr. TaylorThe hon. Gentleman is right in that a variety of objections have been made for a variety of reasons. We shall give very careful consideration to the views of the professions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and I met the representatives 364 of the doctors and the dentists last week to discuss their objections to cost-related prescription charges. We shall be meeting representatives of the pharmacists next month.