HC Deb 01 February 1934 vol 285 c523
26. Dr. HOWITT

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the retail sale of drugs of the barbituric group is permitted without restriction; whether he has made inquiries as to the situation; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Sir J. GILMOUR

These drugs are included in Part I of the present Poisons Schedule, and are, therefore, subject to the full restrictions imposed by the Pharmacy Act, 1868, upon the sale of poisons. The question whether any further restrictions are desirable will be considered by the Poisons Board recently established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Is there any system of inspection? Has the Department any officers to see that these Acts are properly administered; and is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are wholesale complaints against the easy way in which these drugs can be obtained?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The law makes certain provisions. As I have said, the new advisory body which has been set up will investigate whether further steps are required.

Sir F. FREMANTLE

Can my right hon. Friend say how soon we shall get some report from the Poisons Board? Shall we have to wait for an annual report, say 15 months hence, or shall we have an early report on this, which is a very disturbing feature of the present situation?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I should like notice of that question.