§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the recommendations of the advisory committee on National Health Service drugs in its review of oral mucolytics.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe advisory committee on NHS drugs completed its review of oral mucolytics at its meeting on 23 October. The advice of the committee was that, whilst oral mucolytics are of no proven therapeutic value in the treatment of chest conditions or "glue ear", an oral mucolytic agent could be a useful adjunct in the management of the very small number of children with a tracheostomy. The committee has made an additional recommendation to cover those patients with abdominal complications associated with cystic fibrosis and this will require consideration by the licensing authority. I have accepted the committee's advice and will be laying regulations in due course.