§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services why applications made under article 3 of the Medicines (Exemption from Licences) (Special and Transitional Cases) Order 1971, as extended by article 3 of the Medicines (Exemption from Licences) Manufacture and Assembly Temporary Provisions Order 1972, are no longer being processed.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Licensing Authority has for some time been increasingly concerned at certain problems created by the article 3 exemption system, mainly in relation to identifying the source of the products concerned. A review of the position has revealed serious legal doubts about the validity of these exemptions and as a result it is proposed to revoke article 3.
The views of interested parties on this proposal are being sought as required by section 129(b) of the Medicines Act 1968. In the meantime no further exemptions are currently being allowed. I have today placed in the Library a copy of a consultation letter which is being issued to all known holders of article 3 exemptions, to applicants for such exemptions and to professional and industrial organisations.