§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will inquire into the time consumed by patient and general practitioner for repeat prescriptions in cases where the patient is under permanent medication; and if he will issue a circular advising that quantities for a longer term than 28 days may be prescribed.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. I do not consider the cost of such an exercise would be justified. Doctors have been asked to consider economy and safety when making prescribing decisions and I have no reason to believe they need reminding that they are free to issue long-term prescriptions if that accords with the treatment they are giving to their patients.