HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc151-2W
61. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instruct the Poisons Board to consider representations regarding habit-forming drugs, including Preludin, from the Medical Panel of the Advertising Inquiry Committee which first drew public attention to the danger of the unrestricted sale and advertisement of these drugs.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I shall be glad to consider referring to the Board any representations on matters coming within the Board's statutory functions.

62. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to control the advertisement of those noxious drugs, sedative, stimulant or euphoriant, listed in the recent report of the Poisons Board.

Mr. R. A. Butler

My power to make rules about poisons does not extend to the control of advertisements. I understand that the Working Party on the law relating to medicinal substances will review statutory restrictions on their advertisement.

70. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Preludin, Persomnia, Relaxa, Menopax and Miltown will become available to the public only on a doctor's prescription or on the advice of a qualified chemist.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Before I make Orders giving effect to the recent recommendation of the Poisons Board that a number of substances including those in question should be supplied only on prescription, I must consider such representations as I may receive before the end of this week from those concerned. Thereafter there will be no avoidable delay.