The NHS's generic drugs bill fell dramatically last year, health minister John Denham has revealed in a parliamentary written answer. Most of the 30 per cent fall in prices paid by the health service came 'in anticipation of and in response to'the introduction of a government price cap on a list of generic medicines in July 2000. The fall represents an estimated saving to the NHS 'of some £170m-£180m'compared with prices in January 2000, he said. The price cap was introduced after generics prices spiralled last year, with an estimated cost to the NHS of £200m.