§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many packs of Bal Jivan Chamcho baby tonic are known to have been sold in shops in Great Britain;
(2) for how long Bal Jivan Chamcho baby tonic has been available in shops in Great Britain;
(3) what arrangements exist to police imports of medicines into this country to ensure that the requirements of the Medicines Act 1968 are complied with.
§ Mr. EnnalsNo licences have been issued under the Medicines Act 1968 for the importation or distribution of the product in the United Kingdom. It was recently brought to the notice of my Department that the product was on sale in the London borough of Enfield, and it would appear, therefore, that it had been imported and distributed in the United Kingdom contrary to the provisions of the Act. Enquiries are proceeding to identify those responsible for illegal activities and as to the extent of the product's availability on the market.
In the meantime I am making an immediate prohibition order under the Act in respect of the product. This will enable the forfeiture of the product under the Customs and Excise Act 1952 at points of entry into the United Kingdom and the prosecution of any person selling or supplying it through retail outlets after the order becomes effective.
Every effort is made to identify illegal dealings in medicinal products from information received from various sources and by the activities of medicines inspectors and investigators. There are, however, difficulties in certain areas arising out of language problems. Consideration is being given to using certain powers under the Medicines Act 1968 to strengthen control of importation at points of entry into the United Kingdom.