HC Deb 13 June 1845 vol 81 c500

On the Motion, that the Order of the Day be read for going into a Committee of Supply,

Mr. Bernal

said, he would take that opportunity of asking the right hon. Baronet a question with reference to the better regulation of the medical profession. Much excitement prevailed throughout the country, with reference to the clause introduced affecting the right of chemists and druggists to dispense medicine. A great many petitions had been presented on the subject; and he thought it would facilitate the object of the right hon. Gentleman, if he would state whether any other clause was to be introduced involving the interests of the class to whom he alluded.

Sir James Graham

said, there was a special provision in the Apothecaries Act, limiting the power of chemists and druggists with respect to dispensing medicine; and as the Bill which he had introduced would repeal that Act, he intended to place them, under the new Bill, in precisely the same position which they occupied under the existing law.