§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with his powers under the Medicines Act to control the distribution of contact lenses and associated fluids.
§ Mr. MoyleThe provisions of the Medicines Act 1968 applied to contact lenses and associated fluids by the Medicines (Specified Articles and Substances) Order 1976 make available a wide range of powers for the control of these products. Under the Opticians Act 1958 contact lenses may be sold to the public only by doctors or opticians. These powers seem to give me adequate basis for control.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that contact lenses manufactured from cellulose acetate butyrate are satisfactory and that lenses made of silicone rubber are safe; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleCellulose acetate butyrate and silicone rubber are of recent introduction as contact lens materials. Evaluation is not possible at present. I await the report of an expert working party on contact lenses. I should be pleased to examine any relevant evidence the hon. Gentleman may have.