HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc480-1W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the supply of a drug to the market is stopped by a manufacturer because of potential hazard to users, what regulations there are which ensure that existing stocks in chemists' shops are withdrawn.

Mr. Moyle

There are no regulations about this matter. Withdrawal of a product from the market by the manufacturer does not prevent retail pharmacies from continuing to supply it in accordance with a prescription. If the withdrawal is on grounds of safety, practitioners are advised of the position; it is for the individual practitioner to decide whether a particular product should be prescribed.

There is power under Section 62 of the Medicines Act to make a statutory order totally prohibiting the sale or supply of a specified product on grounds of safety. Where such an order is made, it would be a contravention of the law for a pharmacist to supply the product even on a prescription. No such order has ever been made in the case of a prescription product, as the requirement of a prescription is considered a sufficient safeguard. The possibility would, however, be considered if advice was received from the appropriate advisory body.