HC Deb 29 March 1988 vol 130 cc446-7W
Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply to the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South,Official Report, 26 February, column 364, if he will name the two pharmaceutical companies being investigated for failing to report serious adverse reactions to their products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

The investigations referred to in my reply of 26 February are into allegations of failure to report serious adverse reactions. It is not the policy of the Department to divulge names simply on the basis of allegations since this could cause unjustifiable damage to public confidence in a medicinal product and to the reputation of the licence holder. However in one case allegations naming the company were made publicly and the right hon. Member is already aware that we are investigating these. Inquiries are continuing in both cases.