Lieut. - Colonel GUINNESSasked the Home Secretary whether the draft Regulations under the Dangerous Drugs Act provide that no prescription given by a veterinary surgeon could be dispensed; and what provisions were made in the Regulations enabling farmers and 1452W stock breeders to be in possession of the drugs for the purposes of administering them to their stock?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe draft Regulations provide generally for the issue of licences or authorisations in proper cases, and I propose to insert words in the Regulations expressly authorising the supply of the drugs for the purposes of the treatment of animals on the prescription of a veterinary surgeon. Further details as to the application of the Regulations to agriculture are under consideration in consultation with the representatives of the agricultural interests.
§ Mr. F. THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether he will refer the draft Regulations under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1920, to a committee of experts for consideration as a whole, so that the various suggestions for amendment from the professions concerned may be considered together before the Regulations are finally made?
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not consider that this would be a desirable course, for reasons which I have explained in a letter to the bodies that have suggested it. I shall be happy to send the hon. Member a copy of the letter.