HC Deb 25 May 1976 vol 912 cc111-2W
63. Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his attitude to the proposals made in the Royal College of Physicians' Report on Clinical Pharmacology and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Owen

I share the desire of the Royal College of Physicians expressed in its report that there should be an expantion of the clinical service rôle of specialists in clinical pharmacology. I accept that they can play an important part in specialist consultations on clinical problems and provide valuable advice to their colleagues on the effective and economic use of drugs.

The report, which I have brought to the attention of regional health authorities, recognises that current financial constraints will limit progress. It is for individual health authorities to determine in the light of the resources available to them and their own priorities to what extent it is possible to expand the services.