HC Deb 01 February 1960 vol 616 cc82-3W
Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Health if he will give particulars about the Inter-Departmental Working Party which he has set up on legislation concerning medicines; what are the terms of reference of this working party; what is its membership; and what are the qualifications of the members.

Mr. Walker-Smith

This Working Party has been set up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with the following terms of referenceto review the legislative provisions which relate to the control of medicinal substances and to recommend what changes should be made to rationalise and simplify the law with a view to ultimate amendment and consolidation.

It consists of 12 officials from the Government Departments mainly concerned, of whom 2 have medical, 3 legal and 2 pharmaceutical qualifications, and it will receive evidence from the organisations that are expert in this field.