§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which health authorities are still using the family practitioner committee budget for out-patient prescribing; which area health authorities, if any, have had their allocations cut in 701W consequence; and what further steps he proposes to take following the failure to end the practice.
§ Dr. VaughanI am aware that some health authorities or district management teams have been departing from current Departmental guidance which states that, where a hospital doctor bears the clinical responsibility for an out-patient, he should prescribe for the patient's needs. No health authority has had its allocation cut, but the Department has written to chairmen of area health authorities to remind them that NHS expenditure is at present allocated on the assumption that the guidance is followed and asking them to ensure that, where proper arrangements are not now in force, they are restored as soon as is practicable.