HC Deb 28 January 1963 vol 670 cc563-4
14. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health, what further advice on the testing and control of new drugs he has received from the Standing Medical Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement.

16. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Health, what further advice he has received from his advisory bodies in con- nection with the setting-up of a drug licensing and testing agency.

Mr. Powell

I have nothing yet to add to my reply of 6th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Dr. D. Johnson).

Mr. Robinson

Is the Minister aware —I am sure that he is—that many representative bodies of the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry now favour the setting up of some independent committee for the control of drug testing? Is he further aware that many hon. Members on this side of the House would not be satisfied with such a committee unless it were under the statutory control of the Minister? Will the right hon. Gentleman have that in mind when he receives further advice from his Standing Medical Advisory Committee?

Mr. Powell

I have seen the reports to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and that is why I think it right that this question should be maturely considered, although with a sense of urgency, by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee.