§ 17. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Health what percentages of new drugs which have become available during the last three years are made in the United States of America or made here under United States licence.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. CrouchIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a popular idea that the majority of these more expensive drugs, up to 75 per cent., come from America or are made in this country under American licences, and that it is not unusual for some of the pills to cost as much as 15s. each? Cannot something be done to ensure that British druggists, and not United States druggists, get the benefit of the National Health Service?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe registration of drugs is not required, and, therefore, there is no way of finding out how many new drugs are made available. I think my hon. Friend is unnecessarily gloomy in his forecast of the proportions. I can assure him that the British drug houses are much bigger contributors than he thinks. My Department is consulted by the Board of Trade before dollar licences are granted for imports.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs the hon. Lady and the Minister have told me during debates that there is, in their opinion, over-prescribing of proprietary drugs, is she making an inquiry into the subject so that she will be in a position to answer questions in future?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithAs drugs are not registered, it is not possible to give the answer for which my hon. Friend asked.