§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to ensure that all doctors who prescribe medicines for the National Health Service are aware of the progressive hearing loss which can arise from streptomycin and other aminoglycosidic antibiotics, and the conditions for which these drugs should not be used if deafness is to be avoided.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe possibility of harmful effects on hearing arising from the use of certain antibiotics is mentioned in all the standard references and in the manufacturers' literature and should be well known to the medical profession. I am however seeking the views of the Committee on Safety of Drugs as to the need for any further action.