HC Deb 20 June 1960 vol 625 c3W
36. Mr. Darling

asked the Minister of Health if he will introduce regulations to require that all new drugs be tested and evaluated by a responsible body before they are offered for sale to the public.

Mr. Walker-Smith

While there are no existing powers under which such regulations could be made, I am giving, and will continue to give, all the help and encouragement I can towards improvements in the present arrangements and facilities for clinical trials. The Central and Scottish Health Services Councils at the suggestion of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself, have agreed to extend the terms of reference and membership of the Standing Joint Committee on the Classification of Proprietary Preparations to enable this Committee to assist.