HC Deb 16 November 1978 vol 958 cc353-4W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are his reasons for continuing to refuse to refer to arbitration his Department's dispute with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee over payment for dispensing services to the National Health Service.

Mr. Ennals

I have agreed that the dispute should be referred for independent assessment. A panel of assessors is expected to begin work early in the new year and its membership and terms of reference will be announced as soon as the necessary consultations with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee have been completed.