§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish more details as to the methods his Department intends to use to implement the minimum standards for staffing and equipment necessary for improving the maternity and neonatal services, with particular reference to specialist units for low-weight babies and small babies.
§ Dr. VaughanI cannot at present add to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton North-East (Mrs. Short) on 28 April.—[Vol. 3, c.378].
Year ended 31 March Increase in fees and on-costs paid to pharmacist and appliance contractors Increase in fees and on-costs paid to dispensing doctors £ million Percentage £ million Percentage 1977 11.7 12.0 1.4 25.6 1978 12.4 11.3 0.4 6.3 1979 15.0 12.3 1.2 16.4 1980 10.1 7.4 1.8 20.6 1981* 51.3 34.9 2.7 26.0 * Provisional. I have asked my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales to let the hon. Member have the information relating to Wales.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake an inquiry into the cost of pharmaceutical services provided by general medical practitioners in England and Wales.
§ Dr. VaughanMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so at present.