§ 61. Mr. Fortescueasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what decision he has made with regard to the amendment of the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical) Regulations in respect of the dispensing of prescriptions by doctors in rural areas; whether this decision has been accepted by the medical and pharmaceutical professions; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanIn the absence of agreement with both the professions concerned I have informed them that I have with some reluctance concluded that the substance of the present regulations should continue to stand. The pharmaceutical profession has asked that this decision be rescinded. I have already indicated that I should be prepared to reopen discussions on any alternative proposals which offered some prospect of agreement being reached with both professions.