HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc634-5W
Mr. McLoughlin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her policy is on direct pharmaceutical advertising. [21861]

Ms Blears

The Medicines (Advertising) Regulations 1994, with the Medicines (Monitoring of Advertising) Regulations 1994 (Statutory Instrument 1994/1932–3, as amended), implement European Directive 92/28/EEC and regulate the advertising of all medicines in the United Kingdom. Medicines classified for supply over-the-counter may be advertised to the public although the regulations prohibit advertisements to the public in respect of certain diseases. Medicines available only on prescription may not be advertised to the public. We support the provision of factual information about medicines to patients and the public within the legal framework, in order to encourage safe and correct use.

Recent proposals to amend European law relating to the advertising of medicines are being carefully scrutinised. We do not support lifting the prohibition on advertising prescription only medicines to the public.