HL Deb 23 March 1987 vol 486 c106WA
Lord Molson

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What savings have resulted from the introduction of the Selected List Scheme of National Health Services drugs.

Baroness Trumpington

Information from the Prescription Pricing Authority indicates that the Selected List Scheme saved £75 million on the drugs bill in 1985–1986. The saving in each of the seven therapeutic groups was:

£ million
Cough and Cold remedies 22
Analgesics for mild to moderate pain 19
Indigestion remedies 8
Vitamins 7½
Laxatives 2
Bitters and Tonics 1
Benzodiazepine Sedatives and Tranquillisers 15½
As forecast, this initiative has thus released £75 million for the continuing growth in the National Health Service.