HC Deb 09 May 1977 vol 931 cc321-2W
Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the cost of providing a new set of doctor's stamps for prescription forms which include the GPC area concerned, as against the saving due to the cessation of printing headed prescription forms for each GPC area.

Mr. Ennals

The once and for all cost of providing new stamps is estimated to have been about £30,000. Direct savings in printing costs from the introduction of a standardised form are estimated as £6,000 per annum. To this must be added unquantifiable savings from simplified handling and storage and greater flexibility in use.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the new National Health Service prescription form 7P 10 Rev 76 is longer than the old one.

Mr. Ennals

To meet the wish of the representatives of the medical profession for an increase in the prescribing area on the form. The current size is the most economic non-international stationery size.