HC Deb 05 April 1977 vol 929 cc496-7W
Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how he proposes to reduce the cost of central administration of the NHS for 1977–78 as proposed in his answer to the right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford, Official Report, 10th March 1977, c. 655.

Mr. Ennals

The reduction will be achieved by reviewing existing activities and increasing efficiency.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has in mind to offset the increasing cost of the family practitioner service in the NHS for 1977–78, referred to in his answer to the right hon. Member for Wan-stead and Woodford, Official Report, 10th March 1977, c. 655.

Mr. Ennals

The proposals for offsetting the increasing cost of the family practitioner services, referred to under the heading "Table 10E" in my reply to the right hon. Genleman on 10th March are not expected to take effect in 1977–78.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the reductions he proposes in the revenue expenditure on the centrally financed services in the NHS for 1977–78, referred to in his answer to the right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford, Official Report, 10th March 1977, column 655.

Mr. Ennals

The reductions proposed in the revenue expenditure on the centrally financed services in 1977–78 amount to some £3 million, mainly through savings in expenditure on training and research.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how he pro poses to effect the further economies it the NHS drugs bill for 1977–78, referred to in his answer to the right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford, Official Report, 10th March 1977, column 655.

Mr. Ennals

Discussions are now in progress between representatives of the profession and officials to explore the scope for voluntary measures by which doctors can enhance their prescribing efficiency and thus promote economies in the NHS drugs bill.

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