§ 2. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the report of the Poisons Board on Vick 44 has been received; and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. C. M. Woodhouse)At its recent meeting the Poisons Board was informed that the Proprietary Association of Great Britain has recently amended its Code of Standards to provide that no member of the Association shall undertake the distribution to the general public of unsolicited samples of medicines, or issue in connection with the offer of samples of medicines any type of voucher or coupon. In view of this development the Poisons Board has recommended that no further action is necessary and my right hon. Friend has accepted its recommendation.
§ Mr. CraddockMay I say that I thank the Minister for the reply which he has given because I am sure that he is fully aware that the pharmacists complain very strongly about this matter and we are now hopeful that it will be handled in a proper fashion?
§ Mr. WoodhouseI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he says. I 569 hope that it will give him additional reassurance if I add that the substance in question is distributed by a very reputable firm which is a member of the Proprietary Association and will certainly conform to the new rule.