HC Deb 25 November 1986 vol 106 cc204-5W
56. Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent steps he has taken to reduce over-prescribing of National Health Service drugs by doctors.

Mr. Newton

We are co-operating with the medical profession in initiatives to encourage more effective and economic prescribing by general medical practitioners, including encouraging doctors not to prescribe when no medicine is necessary. Our plans are outlined in the "Primary Care Discussion Document" published earlier this year, which is currently the subject of widespread public consultation.