§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the steps by which consideration is given to an application to dispense by(a) doctors or (b) pharmacists in respect of rural areas in Wales, including all the available appeal stages; what changes he plans to make to that procedure for the future; and who will be responsible for each stage in the new procedure.
§ Mr. GristThe controls on dispensing in rural areas are governed by the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1974 (as amended). There are two sets of controls under these regulations for doctors and pharmacists. They are as follows:
Doctors—A doctor may make application to the responsible family practitioner committee (FPC). The FPC refers the matter to the rural dispensing committee (RDC) for determination. The regulations provide for an appeal to the Secretary of State against the decision of the RDC.
695WPharmacists—Pharmacists may make an application to the responsible FPC. The FPC refers the matter to the RDC for determination. There is provision for appeal to the Secretary of State. Additionally, following a successful outcome the pharmacist would have to secure admission to the FPC's pharmaceutical list, decisions on which are taken by the pharmacy practices sub-committee (PPSC) of the FPC. Appeals against decisions of a PPSC are considered by an appeal panel appointed by the FPC from a list of people drawn up by the Secretary of State.
So far as arrangements for the future are concerned I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him on 23 January 1990.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy with regard to the creation of a consolidated body to deal with appeals on professional matters in respect of doctors and pharmacists; and whether it is his intention for Welsh appeals to be dealt with through such an England and Wales body.