Written question asked by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 12 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 April 1999. It was answered by Sam Galbraith (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 April 1999 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what categories of expenditure are included under (a) general pharmaceutical services and (b) non-cash limited pharmacists' remuneration for the year 1999-2000. - (Holding answer 20 April 1999).

Answer: Mr. Nigel Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what categories of expenditure are included under (a) general pharmaceutical services and (b) non-cash limited pharmacists' remuneration for the year 1999-2000. [80665] Mr. Galbraith: [holding answer 20 April 1999]: Pharmaceutical Services consist primarily of the supply of drugs and appliances prescribed by general practitioners. Reimbursements for drugs and appliances account for over 80 per cent. of the gross cost of the services. Fees to pharmacists and other dispensing practitioners make up most of the remainder. Income from prescription charges collected from patients is offset against these costs. Non cash-limited pharmacists' remuneration comprises the fees paid to community pharmacists for dispensing prescriptions and most other pharmaceutical services. Some expenditure on locally managed pharmaceutical services is cash-limited. In 1999-2000, expenditure on drugs and appliances is covered by Health Boards' cash-limited allocations. Health Boards do not receive a pre-determined allocation for non cash-limited expenditure.

Secondary information