§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date the independent panel began consideration of pharmaceutical renumeration; whether he is satisfied with progress so far; and on what date he expects to receive a report.
§ Dr. VaughanThe first meeting of the independent panel was held on 30 April. Since then it has held two further meetings and has received and is continuing to receive written and oral evidence from the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee and the Department, including a substantial amount of additional material which it has found necessary to request after considering the parties' initial submissions. I understand that it is nevertheless still the panel's intention to endeavour to express at least an interim view by the end of July.
§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage rise in remuneration for dispensing services the Review Body recommends for dispensing doctors; and whether he considers that dispensing pharmacists should be entitled to a similar increase.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Review Body recommended an increase of 17.3 per cent. per unrestricted principal in the average remuneration for dispensing. The increase reflects, and is part of, the total increase for general practitioners which was based on relativities with comparable groups and expected movements in certain practice expenses. The pay of retail pharmacists is determined on considerations relevant to them in negotiations between the Health Departments and the pharmacists' representatives.