asked the Minister of Health whether panel doctors are expected, and permitted under the regulations, to supply any drug they wish to panel patients?

Insurance practitioners are required by their terms of service to order any drugs which are necessary for the adequate treatment of their patients.

Mr. Alexander:

How does the hon. Member explain that some practitioners have been fined up to £100 for supplying drugs unnecessarily?

If a prima facie case of extravagance is made out, then my right hon. Friend goes into the question with the local panel committee.

How are you going to get this information into the hands of the various local committees?

As far as I am aware, it is already there.

Will the hon. Member make inquiries again and see whether this is the correct answer?

Mr. Jenkins:

Is it not the case that a medical practitioner has to get the consent of the Department before he orders an expensive drug?

No, Sir.