HC Deb 13 November 1967 vol 754 cc31-2W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the fact that bacteria may acquire and subsequently inherit resistance to antibiotics and that they may transfer this resistance to other species of bacteria, including those which are dangerous to both man and animals, he will take steps to reserve exclusively for human use those antibiotics which are especially efficacious in the treatment of human infections.

Mr. K. Robinson

There is at present no power to prohibit the use of such antibiotics in animals, but the implications for public health of this use is a matter to which the review body recommended by the Netherthorpe Committee will be asked to give early attention. The Government's proposals for new medicines legislation would provide powers under which use in animals could be prohibited if desired.

other than locums, holding posts in National Health Service hospitals, who were born outside the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. This represents about 30 per cent. of the total. More detailed information about doctors is not available. Available information about nurses and midwives working in National Health Service hospitals at 31st December, 1966, and born outside the United Kingdom is limited to those in training and is as follows: