§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy to limit NHS prescriptions to cover a maximum period of 28 days; and if he will make a statement. [44714]
§ Mr. MilburnNo. Prescribers determine the period of a prescription, taking into account the clinical condition of patients and the need to minimise waste.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the powers of health authorities to rule out prescribing drugs with proven clinical benefits on the grounds of cost; and if he will make a statement. [44399]
§ Mr. MilburnHealth authorities are responsible for using their resources to the best effect to meet the health needs of their populations. We are proposing a national, authoritative source of guidance to help the National Health Service assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of new treatments including new medicines.