§ Amendments reported (according to Order).
§ *THE EARL OF CREWE; My Lords, I beg to move the insertion of the new subsection standing in my name on the Paper. It deals with the Amendment of the schedule and increases the power possessed at present of modifying the schedule, which, as pharmacology progresses, is often found a valuable power to possess. The Pharmaceutical Society agree to this Amendment, and I think it is desirable in the interests of the public. It is important to mention that it does only refer to the schedule, and does not affect the substances mentioned in Clause 2 and Clause 5.
§
Amendment moved—
In page 1, line 8, after the word 'therefore' to insert the following new subsection:—'(2) The schedule to this Act may be amended by adding thereto or removing therefrom any article or by transferring any article from on part of the schedule to the other in the manner provided by Section 2 of the Pharmacy Act 1868, for adding to the list of articles deemed to be poisons within the meaning of that Act."—(The Earl of Crewe.)
§ LORD ASHBOURNEI think the Amendment a prudent and wise one as it leaves power for elasticity. With regard to the question of extending the schedule to Ireland, I am in correspondence on that subject. I feel there is force in what the noble Earl said or the last occasion, that if I left the matter as it is full power would rest with the authorities in Ireland to adapt the schedule as far as they thought right and graft it on to their own. If I find that that commends itself to those who are most concerned, I will leave the matter as it is.
§ On Question, Amendment agreed to.
§ *THE EARL OF CREWEThe next Amendment is in Clause 3, page 3, line 5, after subsection (2) to insert the following new subsection:—
(3) A registered chemist or druggist may notwithstanding anything in Section 15 of the Pharmacy Act, 1868, take, use, or exhibit the name or title of pharmacist.This is a matter which really only concerns the registered chemists themselves. By Section 15 of the Act of 1868 this title of pharmacist is reserved to pharmaceutical chemists—that is to say, those who have passed the higher examination of the Pharmaceutical Society. Now, as we know, the title of chemist and druggist is treated no longer as a professional title, but as a trade term, and, therefore, it is desired by the Pharmaceutical Society for the lower class of registered chemist to be able to use the title of pharmacist. The higher class will call themselves pharmaceutical chemists or pharmaceutists. This is desired by the Pharmaceutical Society as differentiating those who have passed even the lower examination from those who are not chemists and druggists, and I think it may very fairly be accepted.
§
Amendment moved—
In page 3, line 5, after subsection (2) to insert the following new subsection. (3) A registered chemist or druggist may, notwithstanding anything in Section 15 of the Pharmacy Act, 1868, take, use, or exhibit the name or title of pharmacist."—(The Earl of Crewe.)
§ LORD ASHBOURNEI have no objection to the insertion of these words, but perhaps the noble Earl will consider whether the extension of this to Ireland is not a matter upon which he would like to have some opinions.
§ On Question, Amendment agreed to.
§ Bill to be read 3a to-morrow, and to be printed as amended. (No. 165.)