HC Deb 10 February 1984 vol 53 cc822-3W
Mr. Roger King

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will establish an annual negotiation with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee for the provision of pharmaceutical services to the National Health Service.

Mr. Nicholls

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is considering drawing up different control terms for small retail pharmacists and for the multiple outlets.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

In answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Warwickshire, North (Mr. Maude) on 25 January — [Vol 52, c.602–604] — I explained that the Government are urgently considering ways of improving the existing arrangements for payment for pharmaceutical services. Formal discussions with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee will begin as soon as possible.

We have not at this early stage ruled out any possibilities. Both a formal annual negotiating timetable and payment arrangements reflecting different types of contractor could therefore form part of any revised system.