§ 19. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from organisations asking for exemption from Purchase Tax or drugs dispensed on doctor's prescription; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. EadieIs my hon. Friend aware that that is a very strange Answer, especially when we bear in mind that Scottish pharmacists are at present in dispute about the machinations or working out the prescription charges?
§ Mr. SnowThe Question which we were asked was what representations we had received, and my reply was, none that I can trace. But if it is of any comfort to my hon. Friend, he should know that, broadly speaking, all ethical drugs are exempt from Purchase Tax other than those which the Standing Joint Committee on the Classification of Proprietary Medicines regards as being of doubtful therapeutic value.