§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans has he to reduce the NHS bill for drugs(a) prescribed by general practitioners and (b) used in hospitals. [56916]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Government have no plans to reduce the National Health Service bill for drugs prescribed by general practitioners or hospitals. Primary Care Groups (PCGs) and health authorities (HAs) will commission and fund local health services from their unified budget allocations in line with the agreed local Health Improvement Plan, local priorities and national guidelines. HAs and their PCGs will be expected to ensure the cost-effective and efficient use of all NHS resources, including any funding for drugs.