§ Mr. ThorntonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the independent study carried out by Dr. John Evans and Mr. Peter Cunliffe into the operations of the Medicines Act 1968 to report; when he expects to make his decision on their recommendations; and when the results will be made publicly known to the interested parties.
§ Mr. NewtonThe study, which I announced on 11 March last year, has been completed. Dr. Evans and Mr. Cunliffe submitted their report just before Christmas and I am placing a copy in the Library. Copies will also be generally available, price £4.75 from the DHSS leaflets unit, PO Box 21, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 1AY. We are consulting the Medicines Commission on certain issues as 199W appropriate. In the light of its advice, we will take decisions and where necessary will enter into discussions with the bodies concerned.