§ 40. Dame Jill Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the drug known as RU 486 has been examined by the Committee on Safety of Medicines; what study he has made of the extent of the use of the drug in the United Kingdom; how many representations he has received concerning the availability of the drug in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThis drug is available only in relation to two clinical trials, for which the licensing authority has granted doctor's exemption certificates. One of the trials relates to use of the drug in abortion and involves a maximum of 20 patients. The doctor responsible for this clinical trial has confirmed that it will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Abortion Act. The Committee on Safety of Medicines. which advises the licensing authority, is not involved in the doctor's exemption scheme. We have received four letters about use of the drug in abortion.