HC Deb 15 February 1960 vol 617 cc77-8W
49. Mrs. Slater

asked 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-Smith

While there are powers which enable supply to be permitted only on medical advice and pre- 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.