HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2116-7W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the proposal in the Finance Bill to repeal the tax on proprietary medicines is in the interest of the health of the nation; and what steps he proposes to take in order to exercise control of the sale of secret remedies, as, if the repeal be effected, there will be no incentive or necessity for makers to disclose the formulae of such remedies, nor any restriction, other than that imposed by the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, upon their recommendation and sale by all and sundry?

Mr. Bernays

As regards the first part of the question my right hon. Friend does not think that the repeal of the Medicine Stamp Duty should have any adverse effect on the health of the nation. As regards the second part, the question whether any further control should be imposed on the sale or advertisement of proprietary medicines is engaging my right hon. Friend's attention but he cannot undertake to introduce legislation in the matter at the present time.