§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received from family health services committees and doctors over the delay in being notified over the introduction of the prescribing incentive schemes; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he intends to take action on the prescribing incentive schemes submitted by family health services committees; and if he will make a statement;
(3) how many family health services committees were notified that the prescribing incentive schemes submitted for his consideration had been agreed by his Department before 1 April.
182W
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have received several representations from family health services authorities concerning the approval of indicative prescribing incentive scheme applications. I shall be announcing shortly which incentive scheme applications have been approved.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives to general practices on the introduction of prescribing incentive schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley"Improving Prescribing", issued in June 1990, set out proposals for the operation of local, voluntary incentive schemes. Further guidance was included in NHS management letter EL(91)12, issued to family health services authorities and regional and district health authorities on 31 January 1991. Copies of "Improving Prescribing" and EL(91) 12 are available in the Library.