HC Deb 03 March 1986 vol 93 cc63-4W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) pursuant to the answer of 26 February, what is the nature of the two clinical trials being conducted on the use of the drug RU 486;

(2) pursuant to the answer of 26 February, when he expects the clinical trials involving RU 486 to be completed;

(3) pursuant to the answer of 26 February, whether he will state what quality of RU 486 is being used during the course of the current clinical trials that are taking place.

Mr. Hayhoe

All information provided to the licensing authority in support of applications made or exemptions applied for under the Medicines Act 1968 is treated as confidential under that Act.

The quality of all drugs undergoing clinical trials is always carefully considered prior to the licensing authority indicating that it has no objection to the trials proceeding.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) pursuant to the answer of 26 February, what steps he intends to take to ensure that the clinical trials involving RU 486, are conducted in compliance with the requirements of the Abortion Act;

(2) whether he will carry out inquiries as to the use of the drug RU 486 in the procuring of an abortion;

(3) whether he has received information as to the use of the drug RU 486 in the procuring of abortion;

(4) what is his policy on the prosecution of those who procure abortion other than under the terms of the Abortion Act 1967.

Mr. Hayhoe

This drug has been approved for use in abortion only in the clinical trial to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 26 February at column606. The trial is still continuing, and the doctor responsible has given an undertaking that the requirements of the Abortion Act will be met. Any alleged breaches of the Act are investigated and, where appropriate, referred to the police or prosecution authorities.

Mr. Major

Records on overtime are available only from 27 October 1981. The annual cost in constant terms of overtime worked in social security local offices in the Barnsley, East constituency for the period 27 October 1981 to 16 January 1982 and subsequent years is as follows:

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