§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health whether, following the report of the Standing Joint Committee on the classification of proprietary preparations, there has ben a reduction in the amount of drugs and preparations prescribed in the National Health Service outside the lists in the British Pharmacopoeia, the British Pharmaceutical Codex and the British National Formulary.
§ Mr. PowellI regret that this information is not available.
Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health when the terms of reference of the Cohen Committee were revised to enable it to recommend that there should be clinical tests of drugs in cases which it thinks advisable; how many such recommendations the committee has made; and which body has been responsible for undertaking the necessary clinical tests.
§ Mr. PowellIn March, 1960. The Committee has not so far made such a recommendation. In a number of cases additional trials have been arranged by manufacturers following an intimation from the Committee that the evidence before it was insufficient to prove therapeutic value.
Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given to the need for drawing the attention of the public to the risks which may be involved in using drugs already in their 113W possession, further supplies or which have since been withdrawn for tests or have been the subject of warning letters to doctors as to their use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss PittMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any case where a public warning from the Department is called for.