§ Dr. Vaughanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that current provisions for the control of the -phamaceutical industry do not inhibit the industry from seeking new drugs which, because of their rarity, affect relatively few people.
§ Mr. MoyleI do not consider that the Medicines Act or other controls applicable to the phamaceutical industry have the effect suggested by the hon. Member. The Act includes provisions under which a medical practitioner may procure the manufacture of a medicinal product for a particular patient without going through the procedure for licensing. There are also arrangements under which a manufacturer may hold a "specials" licence enabling him to manufacture products for particular practitioners without holding a product licence. While the manufacturer may thus be relieved of the need to undertake an expensive programme of testing and development it is understandable that a manufacturer may feel inhibited from accepting the risks involved in following this course.