Vol. 407 No. 6
171 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (a) the total amount spent on drugs in this country in 1988, 1989 and 1990, (b) the proportion of the total figure relevant to the general medical service scheme, (c) the proportion represented by painkillers and (d) the proportion represented by tranquilisers.
182 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (a) the total drugs sales dispensed through pharmacies, (b) the total drugs sales dispensed through hospitals and (c) the total amount of drugs dispensed directly by the General Medical Services Scheme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 182 together. The following is the information in respect of the GMS for 1988 and 1989.
|
1988 |
1989 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
|
|
Total |
70.7 |
83.5 |
|
Painkillers |
9.8 |
11.6 |
|
Tranquilisers |
2.8 |
3.3 |
|
1988 |
1989 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
|
|
Hospitals |
28 |
30 |
|
Community Drug Schemes |
20 |
24 |
172 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are controlling regulations envisaged to restrict the amount of money which drug companies can spend in promoting their products among general practitioners and hospitals in view of the fact that (a) there is one drugs sales representative for every five general practitioners and (b) the United Kingdom authorities have restrictive measures in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to initiate discussions shortly with the pharmaceutical industry to agree a code of marketing practice which will address the issue of the promotion of drug company products.
