§ 56. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is now his policy regarding dispensing by medical practitioners.
§ Sir K. JosephThe National Health Service Act, 1946, envisages that dispensing will normally be carried out by pharmacists; but it provides that a general medical practitioner may dispense medicines in limited circumstances specified in regulations. The medical and pharmaceutical professions have been considering whether to seek amendments to the regulations but have not so far reached agreement. The matter has now been referred to my Department and is under consideration.