§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether, following his consultations, he intends to include distalgesic in his limited list of medicines prescribable under the National Health Service;
(2) which of the medicines on his current limited list are antacids having the same balanced action as gelusil, now available on prescription under the National Health Service;
(3) whether, following his consultations, he intends to include gelusil or any other aluminium and magnesium combination antacids in his limited list of medicines prescribable under the National Health Service;
217W(4) which of the medicines on his current limited list provide the same degree of relief from pain as a combination of dextropropoxyphene and paracetamol.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are currently considering the advice received on our limited list proposals from the Chief Medical Officer's panel of independent experts, who have taken into account the results of widespread consultation. We will shortly be making an announcement on the contents of the limited list to be introduced on 1 April.