§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice is available for those using National Health Service drugs and medicines as to the period of time after which the drug or medicine should not be used and should be disposed of safely.
§ Mr. John PattenPharmacists determine such matters on the basis of their training, professional expertise, and published data on drug substances. Patients are safeguarded by a requirement for an expiry date to be shown on the label of all medicines that should be used within three years of manufacture. As a consequence of an EC directive of 26 October arrangements will be made to progress towards an expiry date on the labels of all proprietary medicinal products. Any member of the public who is doubtful about how to dispose of any medicine safely should be encouraged to consult his local chemist.