§ Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the codes of practice relating to the promotion of prescription only medicines to general practitioners, and the organisations administering those codes.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe only code of practice relating to the promotion of prescription medicines is produced by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry—the trade association representing manufacturers of these products. The code is comprehensive and covers promotion to all medical and dental practitioners. Its requirements are consistent with the Medicines Act regulations governing the advertising of medicines. Administration of the code is by a committee, under an independent, legally qualified chairman. The committee's findings are published regularly. A new edition of the code together with the constitution and procedure of the committee has just been published. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.