§ 33. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the circular issued by his Department on 15th March, 1972, No. 72/71, encourages self-medication by resort to a chemist rather than to a doctor; if this indicates a change of policy; if this encouragement to dispensing chemists to prescribe has been accepted by the Pharmaceutical Society; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonI assume the hon. Member has in mind a recent Press notice advising people taking holidays abroad to obtain insurance cover against medical expenses, and incidentally reminding them that, although doctors cannot prescribe in advance under the National Health Service for illnesses which might occur while their patients are abroad, certain simple remedies can be bought from chemists without prescription. This advice does not imply any change of policy, and no prior consultation was called for.