§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to whom the updated British National Formulary has been circulated; and how he is ensuring that ordinary consumers buying medicine over the chemists' counter are made aware of which medicines in the freely available category are not recommended for use because I hey have little effect or cheaper, simpler alternatives are available.
§ Dr. VaughanThe British National Formulary has been distributed free of charge within the NHS to doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff and other Health Service personnel who have need of it; it has also been issued to medical schools, schools of pharmacy and nursing schools.
The formulary, which is published by the Joint Formulary Committee of the British Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, can be purchased by members of the public. However, the information and advice the BNF contains is intended for the professional user; it is not and should not be regarded as a"consumers' guide". My right hon. Friend has a responsibility under the Medicines Act to ensure that all medicinal products, including those on sale to the general public, have been licensed to proper standards of safety, quality and efficacy. I do not seek to direct an individual in the exercise of his choice of preparations available over the counter.