HC Deb 15 November 1983 vol 48 cc422-3W
14. Mr. Fallon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he is contemplating to seek further savings in the National Health Service drugs bill.

21. Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he has had with the pharmaceutical industry with the aim of reducing drug prices in the National Health Service.

Mr. Fowler

In July I reached agreement with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry that the prices of medicines supplied to the NHS should be reduced by an average of 2.5 per cent., and that prices should be frozen until 1 April 1984, providing a saving of £25 million in the current financial year. I am currently discussing with the association the scope for further savings. I shall make an announcement in due course.

My Department encourages doctors to prescribe effectively and economically by giving them a variety of information about relative costs of drugs and those efforts will also continue.