HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc1214-5
8. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the sale of analgesics.

Mr. Moyle

No, Sir.

Mr. Townsend

Is it not about time that the Minister made up his mind about the recommendations of the Medicines Commission? Is he aware that Help the Aged is most anxious that these basic drugs should not be restricted to chemists? It feels that that would cause considerable inconvenience to the elderly, especially in rural areas.

Mr. Moyle

This is the first exchange of parliamentary views that we have had in the Chamber since I announced my recipt of the Commission's advice last October. I have received representations from Help the Aged along the lines that the hon. Gentleman mentions.

Mr. Christopher Price

In making up his mind on this issue, will my hon. Friend be aware that many of my hon. Friends, including myself, are suspicious of the drug companies' campaign to extend the sale of drugs? Many of us feel that too many drugs of this sort rather than too few are being consumed. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is important to educate the population at large that drugs are not confectionery to be bought off the shelves but medicines that should be taken with advice and care?

Mr. Moyle

It is important to educate the public about the true place of medicines in our national life. My hon. Friend's worry about the drug companies was a factor that was brought to my attention by hon. Members on both sides of the House.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Since it is now four or five months since the hon. Gentleman received the alternative reply in terms of the recommendations by the Medicines Commission, is it not time that the uncertainty was ended? Does he not appreciate that a large number of traders, both large and small, want to know where they stand? If there are to be changes in the law, those traders will have to incur expenses in applying those changes. Will the Minister soon make an announcement?

Mr. Moyle

There is no immediate need to lay regulations before the House. I have received no representations from anybody about any state of uncertainty, although I have received representations from people outside the House and from hon. Members in the form of Written Questions, both for and against the proposition.