HL Deb 18 July 1974 vol 353 cc1232-3

3.22 p.m.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Report of the Working Party on the Presentation of Medicines in relation to Child Safety will be published so as to permit consultations by interested parties; and, if so, when.

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, the Medicines Commission Working Group on the Presentation of Medicines in relation to Child Safety has reported. It is intended to make the contents of this Report widely known shortly; and to initiate appropriate consultations with regard to its several recommendations.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that helpful reply. May I ask if it is possible for him to add whether the related theme of those noxious substances dealt with by the Home Office will be considered at the same time?

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, all matters coming under this particular heading will be considered. Part of the delay is due to the fact that there are printing difficulties. But, furthermore, it is important that all the Departments concerned should get together to discuss the recommendations, so that when those recommendations go out they can be fully aired in the various journals.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, may I assure my noble friend that the difficulty of printing is very well understood by the questioner, and I thank him for that further reply.

LORD TREFGARNE

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the Working Party has considered the question of packaging of medicines, as well as labelling of medicines?

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, I understand that the whole of this matter and others have been considered.