§ 7.50 p.m.
§ LORD ABERDARE moved, That the Draft Medicines (Retail Pharmacists—Exemptions from Licensing Requirements) Order 1971, laid before the House on July 21, be approved.
§ The noble Lord said: My Lords, this Order makes certain modifications of exemptions from the licensing provisions of the Medicines Act 1968, under which, in general, persons manufacturing and dealing in medicinal products will require to hold licences. The exemptions in the Act mainly relate to small scale activities carried on by persons who prepare or supply medicinal products as part of their professional functions as medical and veterinary practitioners, nurses and pharmacists, and the Act enables orders to be made modifying or extending these exemptions. This draft Order is to be made in pursuance of this power so as to modify the provisions about retail pharmacists. During the extensive consultations with representative bodies which have taken place in the last year or so, it became evident that the provisions on this matter were unsatisfactory in certain respects. This Order embodies the results of those discussions. It restricts and clarifies the provisions in some respects and extends them in others. If any of your Lordships want a further explanation of various articles in this Order, I shall be happy to explain them, but I understand that they are entirely acceptable to the representative bodies. I therefore beg to move.
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords. I wish to thank the Minister for his very clear explanation. In the event of our needing further information we shall certainly know where to seek it.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ LORD ABERDAREI beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 8 o'clock.
§ Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ 8.0 p.m.
§ House resumed.