§ 51. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish a revised edition of the Voluntary Price Regulation Scheme; if he has taken into account the documents relating to the promotion costs of medicines and to the enrolment of young female medical commercial travellers, copies of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Willesden, West; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe revised Voluntary Price Regulation Scheme was published towards the end of August 1972, and a copy was placed in the Library of the House of Commons at that time.
The revised scheme took effect from 1st September 1972 and is intended to continue in force until 1st September 1977. It may be amended by mutual consent of my Department and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, or, should there be major changes in the phamaceutical services, it 101W may be terminated by either party giving six months' notice. I see no reason to seek to amend the scheme at the moment, but when amendment falls due all relevant factors will be taken into account.