HC Deb 07 April 1913 vol 51 c791
55. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the offence proved against a firm of chemists at Fenton, Staffordshire, who sold to the Stoke-on-Trent insurance committee a number of pills not in accordance with the prescription; whether insurance committees are empowered to strike off the list any chemists convicted of such offences; and whether the Insurance Commissioners will occasionally test the medicines and pills supplied and so ensure their proper composition and efficacy?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The Commissioners have seen a report of the case referred to. If any representations are made to them that the inclusion or continuance on the panel of any chemist will be prejudicial to the efficiency of the service, they may after inquiry exclude or remove such chemist from the panel. With regard to the third part of the question it is the duty of the insurance committee to take such steps as may be necessary to secure a proper and sufficient supply of drugs and medicines for the insured persons in their area.

Mr. KING

I understand from that answer that persons might be removed from the list on representations. From whom would these representations proceed—from the Insurance Commissioners or from insured persons?

Mr. ROBERTSON

They may come from any respectable source