HL Deb 28 January 1986 vol 470 cc540-1

2.45 p.m.

Lord Hunter of Newington

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the committee appointed to review the approved drug list in the National Health Service has recommended any amendments or additions to the list.

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, following advice from the Advisory Committee on National Health Service Drugs, 11 drugs have been added to those available on National Health Service prescription. These and other, minor amendments were introduced in amending regulations which came into effect on 1st December 1985—and are available in the Library.

Lord Hunter of Newington

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Baroness for that reply. I should like to ask her two supplementary questions. Is it the Government's intention to set up long-term arrangements for the review of the drug list? Secondly, does an appeal mechanism exist?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, the present committee is set up with members having two-year contracts and the chairman has an unending appointment as matters stand. It is the intention of the committee to be in existence for as long as is needed. Will the noble Lord please repeat his second question?

Lord Hunter of Newington

Does an appeal procedure exist, my Lords?

Baroness Trumpington

That was it, my Lords. The Government offered an appeal mechanism, which the BMA turned down. If the BMA changes its mind the Government will consider the situation again.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, the noble Baroness has mentioned 11 additions which have been approved. Can she say how many applications were made? Can she also tell us how the balance between generic substances and branded drugs is working out under the new system?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, I cannot give an answer to the latter question, but the committee has looked into and rejected the inclusion of 26 products.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, can the Minister tell us what have been the savings so far to the National Health Service as a result of the limited list? Can the Minister say whether the Government have patched up their rather damaging dogfight with the pharmaceutical industry?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, it is still very early yet to establish precise figures on savings. On the information available to us at present we are on target to achieve the expected £75 million. With regard to pharmacies, many drugs on the non-prescribable list may still be sold over the counter or against private prescriptions. However, we accept that there might be a problem in dead stock and are discussing the question with the profession's negotiators.

The Countess of Mar

My Lords, can the noble Baroness say how many complaints have been received by the DHSS against the limited drugs list from patients? Would it not have been better to consult general practitioners actually in the field before the list was drawn up?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, over 2,000 complaints were received. With regard to the discussion between doctors, in hindsight it could have been better handled and it will be better handled in the future.