§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the effects on the National Health Service budget of the promotion of drugs through the payment of doctors for clinical trials.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. The code of practice for the clinical assessment of licensed medicines in general practice provides that clinical trials should not constitute or incorporate sales promotion. If the hon. Member has a particular concern, perhaps he would write to me.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to prohibit general practitioners from receiving payments for clinical trials on patients.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. We see no objection to general practitioners being paid for additional work and expenses arising from participation in a bona fide clinical trial, provided the payment is reasonable in relation to the amount and nature of the work involved. The whole question of clinical trials in general medical practice is the 53W subject of a code of practice agreed between the medical profession and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.