HC Deb 03 May 1990 vol 171 cc629-30W
Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what manner applications for product licences to the Medicine Control Agency submitted before the recent changes and regulations will be treated.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 5 March 1990]: The level of fees for product licence applications are determined by the date of receipt of an application at the Medicines Control Agency. Any application, therefore, which was received before 5 March 1990 (the operative date of the Medicines (Fees Relating to Medicinal Products for Human Use) Amendment Regulations 1990 SI 1990 No. 210) would attract the rate of fee previously applicable.

(2) if, in the light of the recent High Court ruling in the case of C and G Homes v. Bath district health authority, he will introduce legislation to prevent discrimination against the mentally handicapped and mentally ill.

Mr. Freeman

We have noted the High Court's ruling, but it would be premature to come to any conclusion about its general effect before the health authority has decided whether or not to appeal.