§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if Her Majesty's Government will seek powers to amend the Biological Compendium to ensure that the antibiotic dactinomycin is tested using high pressure liquid chromatography rather than the LD50 animal test as at present; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are already considering the proposition that reference to the LD50 animal test for this156W product in the Biological Compendium should be replaced by a reference to another test, possibly the use of high pressure liquid chromatography. Such a change in the compendium could be made under existing powers, after consultation with the Medicines Commission. We hope to reach a decision soon.