§ 45. Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reports he has received of a shortage of Valium ; and what action he is taking to maintain supplies to patients dependent on it.
§ Sir K. JosephI first heard of shortages of this medicine in November. These appear to be in the form of local temporary shortages caused by the late fulfilment of wholesalers' orders and the situation is now improving.
The manufacturers explain that there are three main reasons for the shortages, namely, difficulties in obtaining supplies of raw material, a shortage of packaging materials and paper, and the fact that they are in the process of moving production into a new building. In addition the volume of demand for this medicine has increased.
I have agreed with the chemists' representatives that where there is difficulty in meeting a prescription the form may be endorsed to show that an alternative medicine has been supplied where this is agreed by the prescribing doctor.
114WIran and Saudi Arabia but we are in constant touch with both Governments about trade and other relevant matters.