§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there are any fundamental reasons why generic prescribing could not be introduced forthwith; if so, if he will list them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanDoctors are free to prescribe medicines in generic—approved name—form whenever they consider this appropriate. However, a large proportion of the total net ingredient cost of National Health Service prescriptions relates to proprietary medicines for which no generic version is available.
I also refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Thomas) on 19 June.—[Vol. 986, c. 635–36.]