HC Deb 02 December 1965 vol 721 cc1611-2
11. Dr. David Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of tablets purporting to be emmenogogues was imported in the years 1962, 1963 and 1964, respectively, from other European countries; and what were their value, cost insurance and freight.

Mr. Darling

I regret that these goods cannot be separately distinguished in the trade statistics.

Dr. Kerr

Is my hon. Friend aware that these tablets do not do what they purport to do—[Laughter.] I am sorry, I appreciate the cause of the levity, but this is not a funny matter. These tablets purport to bring on a period in the case of a woman who has missed one and who thinks that she is pregnant. Would my hon. Friend consider excluding these from imports and consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, both to refer this to the Consumer Council, because this is a swindle worked on an anxious woman, and also to make sure that consumers of these goods know what they are buying?

Mr. Darling

I think that there are two issues here. I will certainly take up with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. On the other part, dealing with mis-description of consumer goods, this is a matter that can be dealt with under existing legislation—under the Merchandise Marks Acts—and if details are sent to me by the hon. Member I will look into it.