§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for product licences in respect of imported heat-treated factor VIII have been received by his Department; and how many were granted in 1984 and in 1985.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFurther to my reply on 20 February at columns498–500, to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), all the seven applications made since November 1984 for product licences under the Medicines Act for heat-treated factor VIII were granted earlier this year. All of these were for imported products.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if exactly similar tests are applied to imported factor VIII products as to Blood Products Laboratory products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Central Blood Laboratories Authority, which is a special health authority, ensures the safety and quality of products made at its blood products laboratory. Imported, commercially manufactured factor VIII is subject to the formal licensing arrangements under the Medicines Act 1968.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's studies of the economics of self-sufficiency against the continued importation of factor VIII products.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 19 February at columns446–47.