§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give his best estimate of the proportion of generic prescriptions in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980; if there is a change in generic prescribing; if there are any regional variations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe proportion of NHS prescriptions fur England written in generic—approved name—form in each of the years requested, is as follows:
31W
per cent. 1976 19.9 1977 19.7 1978 19.6 1979 19.6 1980* 20.1 * Ten months only. A proportion of these were written but not dispensed in generic form because a proprietary version only was available. There is no significant variation over time, but the proportion varies between regions by up to 2 per cent. above and below the national average.
I am anxious to bring about more effective prescribing practices. To this end, an informal working group of officials of the Department and representatives of the medical profession is looking at ways of encouraging more effective prescribing, and I look forward to receiving its recommendations.