HC Deb 27 February 1985 vol 74 cc217-8W
Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the aggregate effect on the sales to the National Health Service of pharmaceutical companies with establishments within the Welwyn Hatfield constituency of his revised limited list proposals.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We cannot estimate this with precision. It depends on a number of factors, including whether the companies concerned decide to supply generic medicines to the National Health Service.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the exact nature of the consultations he is having with retail pharmacists over their current stockholding of drugs which will no longer be available on the National Health Service.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[pursuant to his reply, 26 February 1985, c. 142]: Since my right hon. Friend's announcement last November there has been ample time for retail pharmacists to adjust the stocks they hold of drugs no longer available on the National Health Service. However as my right hon. Friend said in his statement to the House on 21 February we are prepared to examine any relevant evidence that pharmacists may present on this matter.