§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the restriction on the sale of Collis Browne's mixture was introduced at such a late stage in the process of consultation on new regulations on the sale of medicines.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe Medicines Commission recommended a maximum strength restriction in relation to all liquid preparations containing morphine or medicinal opium—in the latter case, in terms of anhydrous morphine—and organisations were informed of this in the consultative documents issued in March 1976. Both substances have a dependence producing potential and the recommendation was made for safety reasons. I recognise that the precise maximum dose limitation on medicinal opium included in the Medicines (Prescription Only) Order 1977, to ensure conformity between the restrictions on that substance and on morphine presents difficulties for this particular company. My Department will be glad to consider these difficulties with the company during the transitional period of six months to be introduced under the amending order it is intended to make.