HC Deb 30 November 1970 vol 807 cc286-7W
Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated amount of the savings in prescription costs which will be achieved in a full year as a direct result of the work done by regional medical officers, during the year ended 31st March, 1970, in discussing prescribing matters with doctors.

Mr. Alison

The savings cannot be fully quantified; but statistical information strongly suggests that the visits are currently securing annual direct savings of considerably more than £1 million net.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the total working hours of the regional medical officers was, during the year ended 31st March, 1970, spent on investigating the prescribing of doctors, and discussing with doctors their prescriptions.

Mr. Alison

Visits specifically to discuss prescribing matters, including the prescribing of drugs of dependence, occupied rather under 5 per cent. of regional medical officers' time.