§ 40. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Supply when sufficient penicillin will be available to meet demand; and whether the Control of Penicillin (No. 1) Order, 1946, will then be revoked.
§ Mr. WilmotSupplies of penicillin are steadily increasing but it will not be possible for some time yet accurately to estimate the demand. I will certainly give careful consideration to the desirability of discontinuing control measures immediately it becomes apparent that supplies are adequate to meet an uncontrolled demand.
§ 41. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Supply why, under the Control of Penicillin (No. 1) Order, 1946, he has made anyone who, without approved prescription or authority, tries to buy penicillin, liable to imprisonment; and whether he will amend the Order so as to confine responsibility for infringement to vendors.
§ Mr. WilmotNo, Sir. Control is more effective against possible black market activities if proceedings can be taken against the person who acquires as well as the supplier.
§ Sir J. MellorWhat steps is the Minister taking to inform prospective purchasers of the peril which they run?
§ Mr. WilmotPenicillin can only be bought against a prescription, and that is the safeguard on which we rely.
§ Sir J. MellorBut what steps is the Minister taking to inform the general public of the contents of this Order under which a perfectly innocent purchaser runs the risk of going to prison?
§ Mr. WilmotI am indebted to the hon. Member for a further opportunity of making these facts known.