§ Mr MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effects of gamma hydroxy butyrate(a) when taken by people who have not been prescribed it and it and (b) when taken in quantity; what controls exist at present; and what controls she now intends to introduce on the availability of gamma hydroxy butyrate (i) other than by prescription and (ii) by mail order.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe substance known as gamma hydroxy butyrate has anaesthetic and muscle relaxant properties and is regarded as a medicinal product as defined in section 130 of the Medicines Act 1968. It can have serious adverse effects, among which are: vomiting, drowsiness, vertigo, depressed breathing and heart rate.
Licences are required under the Medicines Act 1968 for the manufacture, sale or supply of this product. No such licences have been granted. Any person manufacturing, selling or supplying an unlicensed product is likely to be in breach of the Act and committing a criminal offence. Any breach of the Act is investigated by enforcement officers of the Medicines Control Agency. The existing controls in the Medicines Act are at present regarded as sufficient.