§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors led him to change his policy of opposition to a limited list of prescribable drugs as stated on 22 November 1983, Official Report, column 112.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy reply of 22 November 1983 at column114 was about a limited list of drugs across all therapeutic categories. We had accepted the recommendation of the Greenfield committee on effective prescribing that a limited list of this kind should not be introduced because there was not at that time any convincing evidence that the potential financial benefits would outweigh the administrative problems in drawing up and maintaining one. Our present proposals cover only a small number of therapeutic categories and are the result of further detailed investigations and inquiries which show that savings would be both immediate and worth while with no damage to patient care.
§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that there will be an adequate period of adjustment for manufacturers between the announcement of his final limited list proposals and their entry into force.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeManufacturers have known of the provisional list since November. The revised list will be announced shortly, coming into effect on 1 April.