Evans Medical Limited (Hansard, 16 March 1972)

§ Sir K. Joseph

Yes. I have decided to set up two inquiries. The first, under Section 70 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, will inquire into the particular episode. The second will be undertaken by the Medicines Commission in pursuance of its functions under the Medicines Act, 1968. I am asking the commission to arrange for an immediate review of measures which should be taken in the course of production, distribution, storage and use of medicinal products to prevent them from becoming vehicles of infection. It will be able to take into account the Section 70 inquiry findings. I would look to the commission in the 179W normal course of its work to advise me on any other aspects of quality control of medicines to which it thought special attention should be drawn in the interests of safety.

I am glad to say that Mr. C. M. Clothier, Q.C., has agreed to preside over the Section 70 inquiry. The terms of reference will be: To inquire into the circumstances, including the production, which led to the use of contaminated infusion fluids in the Devonport section of the Plymouth General Hospital, and to advise the Secretary of State for Social Services on any aspect of the handling of this incident which they consider requires action; and to draw attention to any matters which the Medicines Commission should be asked to take into account in their wider review".

Mr. Clothier will be assisted by Sir James Howie, Director of the Public Health Laboratory Service, and Dr. Frank Hartley, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, London University.

I cannot say in advance how long either inquiry will take but they will be carried out as quickly as possible.

It will be for Mr. Clothier and his colleagues to decide how to obtain evidence and how far to conduct their proceedings in public. Findings from the inquiries will be published as soon as each is completed.