§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (General) Regulations 1978 were not approved in due time; and what steps he has taken to prevent a recurrence.
§ Mr. CarterThe regulations submitted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland for approval by the Department of Health and Social Services included amendments not previously discussed and agreed with the Department. The consideration of these amendments regrettably led to the regulations not being approved within the statutory period of one month from the date of making by the society. The Examiner of Statutory Rules drew this point to the notice of the Department, and new regulations were immediately made. The case will be referred to in the next report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules. In accordance with normal practice, Departments' attention is being drawn to the need to prevent any recurrence of this incident.