§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on the outcome of his meeting in Scotland on Wednesday 27 February with representatives of pharmacists to discuss further the implications of the limited list of drugs available under the National Health Service; what was the nature of the representations he received; whether he proposes to take any action as a result of the meeting; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayI met representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, Scottish Department and the Pharmaceutical General Council (Scotland) on 27 February for discussions on various matters associated with the Government's measures to restrict the range of drugs available under the NHS for treatment of certain conditions. The main areas covered were the arrangements for ensuring that patients in remote areas of Scotland had access to sources of supply of all drugs, the supply position of manufacturers and wholesalers on drugs which will continue to be available on NHS prescriptions and the implications of the new measures for community pharmacists' stockholding of drugs, remuneration procedures and terms of service. The comments received from the profession are being taken into account as appropriate in the detailed arrangements.