HC Deb 30 November 1982 vol 33 c131W
77. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to require pharmacists dispensing National Health Service prescriptions to prepare medicines on generic names of drugs unless the general practitioner concerned orders that no substitute may take the place of the brand name prescribed.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

This is one of a number of issues on prescribing which the Government are keeping under review.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy with regard to generic prescribing among medical practitioners.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

It is a longstanding policy that doctors should be encouraged to use the generic, or approved, names of drugs when prescribing.