HC Deb 21 July 1978 vol 954 cc456-7W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the first consideration was given by the Medicines Commission to the 36,000 product licences of right which were granted when licensing control became operational in 1971.

Mr. Moyle

Many of these products were considered by the Medicines Commission between 1971 and 1973 in the course of preparing its reports on the application of part III of the Medicines Act. In 1974 it is advised on specific proposals for reviewing product licences of right.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what approximate date he expects that all the 36,000 product licences of right will have been either withdrawn or reviewed.

Mr. Moyle

When the present arrangements for the review were announced in 1974 the target date for completion was "the end of 1983 or earlier if possible." At the present rate of progress, it seems unlikely that the review will be completed within the time set and I am considering what steps should be taken to accelerate progress.