§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how often the Medicines Commission has met in the past year; and how this compares with previous years.
§ Dr. VaughanThe numbers of meetings of the Medicines Commission in the year ended 31 March, 1981 and in each of the four previous years were as follows:
12 months ended 31 March Number of meetings 1981 7 1980 4 1979 6 1978 8 1977 6
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the level of fees or other payments made to members of the Medicines Commission; and what has been the percentage change as compared with one and two years ago, respectively.
§ Dr. VaughanMembers of the Medicines Commission may claim a fee for every meeting of the Medicines Commission they attend. A preparation time allowance is also payable where circumstances justify it. The level of fees is fixed within limits laid down by the Civil Service Department, and is as follows:
Rate current at 31 March 1981 Fee £ Preparation allowance £ Total £ Chairman 53 13 66 Members 42 10 52
Percentage increase over one year since March 1980 Percentage increase over two years since March 1979 Chairman 15.8 78.4 Members 11.5 67.7 The substantial increase between 1979 and 1980 was designed to restore the real value of the fees after a period of severe restrictions. Members may also receive travelling expenses and are eligible for payment of subsistence allowances on the same basis as senior members of Her Majesty's Civil Service.