§ Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what authority he checks over-prescribing of dangerous drugs where the prescriptions are privately paid for.
§ Sir K. JosephI have no powers in relation to private prescribing but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has certain320W powers under the Dangerous Drugs Acts, 1965 and 1967.
§ Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what spot checks are taken on over-prescribing of dangerous drugs; and what methods exist for dealing with offenders supplying prescriptions in excess of normal medical need, other than the National Health Service Executive Committee withholding payment.
§ Sir K. JosephInquiries, initially through a visit by one of the Department's Medical Officers, are made whenever analysis of a doctor's National Health Service prescribing suggests that he has been prescribing unusual quantities of addictive drugs. If necessary, formal action can be taken under the National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations, 1956; and I bring to the attention of the General Medical Council any evidence suggesting aprima facie case of professional misconduct.