§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action his Department proposes to encourage the proper and safe disposal of unwanted medicines;
(2) what studies have been undertaken by or on behalf of his Department to endeavour to ascertain the nature and extent of the nature of the problem posed by the accumulation of unwanted medicines;
(3) whether his Department will make available funds to organisations such as, for example, the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, to assist them in mounting campaigns throughout the country to arrange for the collection and safe disposal of unwanted medicines.
§ Dr. OwenPatients can obtain advice on proper and safe disposal of unwanted medicines from pharmacists and doctors.
My Department and the Scottish Home and Health Department financed and provided information for a study undertaken by the Institute for Social Studies in Medical Care, of which a report "Medicine takers, prescribers and hoarders" was published in 1972. The Department encourages and fully supports campaigns for the collection and safe disposal of unwanted medicines organised locally by health and local authorities 349W and others, including local branches of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Health authorities may, at their discretion, contribute financial assistance from their allocations. We have no plans to change this arrangement believing this a matter best left for local initiative.