§ 31. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate a scheme for the quality testing of drugs similar to that of the Ministry of Health.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteMy right hon. Friend is about to seek the views of the chemists and those of the other bodies concerned on a model drug-testing scheme which would be suitable for operation by the Executive Councils in Scotland. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, this proposal is not connected in any way with the testing of new products such as thalidomide.
§ Dr. MabonWill the Minister give an assurance that it will not take as long to set up this arrangement as it did in the case of the Reid Report?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteWe shall be as quick as we can.
§ Mr. WoodburnHas the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the charges of great misuse of drugs because doctors do not keep themselves acquainted with the proper use of antibiotics and these other new ancillaries to health? Can he give some assurance that in the National Health Service this education will be spread amongst doctors, who will be advised how to use these instruments?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteThat is another question. The object of this operation is to ensure that what is prescribed is properly dispensed.