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Health Bill

moved Amendment No. 2: "After Clause 73, insert the following new clause—""““PRESCRIPTIONS: LABELLING SHOWING ACTUAL COST""(1) The National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/620) are amended as follows.""(2) After regulation 11 insert—""““11A PRESCRIPTIONS: LABELLING SHOWING ACTUAL COST""(1) The packaging of any drugs or appliances supplied in accordance with regulations 3 to 6A shall carry a label showing the full cost to the National Health Service of those drugs or appliances.""(2) Paragraph (1) applies irrespective of whether- ""(a) there is an exemption from charging under regulation 7 or 7A, or ""(b) a valid exemption certificate under regulation 8 is in force.””””" The noble Lord said: My Lords, I have read with great care and interest what the Minister said last week. I should also like to place on record my thanks to him for his very full follow-up letter. He will, I am sure, be delighted to see that I have slightly changed the wording of my amendment for this afternoon’s proceedings. I remind the House that the purpose of this very simple amendment is twofold: to encourage patients to finish their prescribed drugs and to realise what outstanding value for money they are getting. I have consulted widely on this subject—it appears to have met with support from the medical profession and, indeed, from all the pharmacists with whom I have spoken. I do so hope that, with the revised wording, the Minister will now be able to accept the amendment. I beg to move.