§ Sir W. Elliottasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will reconsider her recent decision to reduce promotion advertising in the light of the fact that this will result in the removal from circulation of several publications of reference value to the medical profession.
§ Dr. OwenNo. The overall proposal for a substantial reduction in promotional expenditure allows for considerable flexibility within the voluntary price regulation scheme system and is mainly directed at medical representatives, free samples, hospitality and lavish and unnecessary promotional activity. The detailed proposals which my Department will be discussing with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and the professions are specifically designed to try to shield publications of undoubted reference value to the medical profession.