§ Mr. Michael MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria have been used by family health services authorities for setting indicative drug budgets where medical advisers have been unable to visit a general practitioner practice.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIn setting indicative prescribing amounts family health services authorities consider practices' historic spending patterns, comparable average costs for the FHSA, special circumstances of the practice including high-cost patients, anticipated changes in demand and an allowance for the forecast increase in the cost of drugs. These criteria will apply whether or not a medical adviser visits an individual practice.