§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the veterinary anaesthetic drug ketamin is available in the United Kingdom; what safeguards he has issued to ensure that the drug does not become available to young people; and if he will make a statement. [38327]
§ Mrs. BrowningKetamine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in three veterinary medicines with current marketing authorisations. It is authorised, for use as an anaesthetic for cats—two products—and sub-human primates—one product. In each of these cases, the product is authorised in the category of veterinary medicine available only on prescription, and as such would be used only under the direct control of a veterinary surgeon. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has published a code of practice for storage and dispensing of medicines by veterinary surgeons which includes a requirement that premises in which medicines are stored and dispensed should be capable of being secured to exclude the public and to deter unlawful entry.