49. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Health what proposals he has for controlled research and testing of new drugs before they are sold without a doctor's prescription.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWhile there are powers which enable supply to be permitted only on medical advice and pre-78W scription there is no authority under existing legislation for the requirement the hon. Lady has in mind. The Committee on the Cost of Prescribing has, however, made a recommendation that all new drugs should be subjected to clinical trial, and I hope soon to be able to reach a decision on it.