HC Deb 04 December 1984 vol 69 cc162-3W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how he ensures that the quality of generic drugs both home produced and imported are controlled and maintained at the level of purity and efficacy of the original proven brand product; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

For any medicinal product, including a generic product, to be marketed in the United Kingdom, the licensing authority has to be satisfied that the product is safe, efficacious and of good quality under the Medicines Act 1968. The licensing authority also has to be satisfied that the product has been manufactured to acceptable standards under United Kingdom (or European Community) licensing arrangements.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how his Department intends to monitor the way in which prescriptions are issued after the introduction of generic or limited list prescribing; and what consultations are planned with medical associations.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We will continue, for the time being, with the present system of prescription monitoring, which is undertaken by our Department in conjunction with the Prescription Pricing Authority. As well as statistical analysis it includes, where necessary, visits to individual general practitioners by doctors of the Department's Regional Medical Service to discuss their prescribing habits and prescribing matters in general. Full consultation with the medical profession on implementation of the limited list proposals is now under way.