§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the food and drugs authorities have adequate powers to protect the public against the sale of medicines which have become defective; and whether he will take appropriate action under sections 63 to 65 of the Medicines Act 1968.
§ Dr. VaughanSatisfactory control over the quality and safety of medicines marketed in the United Kingdom is maintained by way of licensing and associated requirements of the Medicines Act 1968. Responsibility for control rests with the Health and Agriculture Ministers and it includes inspection of manufacturers in the United Kingdom and overseas, and wholesale dealers in this country. Local authorities and the Pharmaceutical Society enforce certain provisions concurrently with Ministers by means of regulations, directions and arrangements.
Following discussions with local authority associations and the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain my right hon. Friend has made arrangements whereby the society has power, but not a duty, to enforce sections 63, 64, 65 and 85 of the Medicines Act both generally and in relation to registered pharmacies. These provisions relate to the labelling, nature, quality and adulteration of medicinal products on retail sale and to their compliance with standards. In the light of these powers having been conferred on the society, it has not been considered necessary to extend local authority enforcement powers under the Act. Local authorities, through their associations, have been asked to continue forwarding to the society reports of defective medicines purchased by members of the public.