HC Deb 12 March 1985 vol 75 cc105-6W
18. Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the publicity campaign to advise doctors and their patients on the operation of the limited list.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

A leaflet is being prepared for issue to patients through general practitioners and pharmacists. We will be issuing a circular giving details of the implementation of the selected list to all doctors and pharmacists.

22. Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to announce the procedure and criteria for new drugs and existing drugs with new indications to be added to his limited list.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

As soon as possible.

38. Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to extend the limited list for prescribing to other categories of drugs.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have no present plans to do so.

44. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reaction he has received so far from interested parties concerning his announcement of the limited National Health Service drugs list.

46. Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the response from the medical profession to his revised limited list proposals.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Most patients, doctors and pharmacists have welcomed the expansion of the number of drugs on the selected list which was announced on 21 February. The British Medical Association and the pharmaceutical industry, however, continue to oppose the selected list as a policy.

63. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further discussions he has had with the medical profession about arrangements to revise his proposed limited list of drugs, prescribable under the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have already announced that we intend to set up a professional committee to advise us on a continuing basis on the contents of the list. We hope to consult the medical and pharmaceutical professions about membership of this committee as soon as possible.