§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action she is taking in respect of the use of Septrin in the United Kingdom;
(2) what plans she has to remove Septrin from the market; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe have no plans to remove Septrin from the market. There is no new safety issue with Septrin and recent data support the view that serious adverse effects associated with it are rare. Changing clinical practice, however, favours single rather than combination antibiotic therapy and the Medicines Control Agency is considering whether the licence for Septrin should reflect this.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what support she will give to litigants against the Wellcome group in respect of claims for damage caused by Septrin; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleIt is not the Department's policy to become involved in individual claims for compensation. This is a matter for individuals themselves to pursue with the companies concerned, if necessary through the courts.