§ 42. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health what discussions with interested bodies have taken place relating to amending legislation on the subject of medicines, drugs and poisons since he received the report of 'the working party in July, 1962; whether a draft Bill has been prepared; and when legislation may be expected.
39. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health when he expects his review of the law relating to drugs to be complete; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BraineI have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply on 4th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore).
§ Mr. RobinsonWhy is the Ministry dragging its feet? Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Cohen Sub-Committee stated that in its view legislation was urgently needed and, apparently, the Cohen Committee has not been informed that a working party's report had been in the Ministry for very nearly a year?
§ Mr. BraineThe hon. Gentleman knows very well that my right hon. Friend is not dragging his feet in this matter. My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Scotland are pressing ahead as quickly as possible both with consideration of the working party's recommendations for legislation and with establishing the voluntary scheme proposed by the Cohen Sub-Committee.