§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what period of notice was given to general practitioners in Scotland in respect of the deadline for comments on the recent list of drugs to be removed from GP prescription; how many representations were received; and what discussions his officials have had with the British Medical Association about the period of notice. [11319]
Lord James Douglas HamiltonOn 25 November 1996, the Department of Health, on behalf of the UK health departments, issued a press release announcing consultation on recommended changes to the list of products which GPs may not prescribe on the NHS. Comments were invited by 9 January 1997. About 200 representations have been received in response. There have been no discussions with the BMA about the period of notice.