§ Sir Neil MacfarlaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he has received from the standing pharmaceutical advisory committee, the standing medical42W advisory committee and the standing nursing advisory committee and their joint sub-committee on original pack dispensing on the introduction of original pack dispensing for parmaceuticals in general, and for generic pharmaceuticals;
(2) whether it remains his policy to encourage the dispensing of pharmaceuticals in original packs; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe consulted widely on the report and recommendations of the joint sub-committee and received a large number of comments. Progress on any systematic introduction of original pack dispensing has been delayed by the failure of the parties consulted to agree on any common standards for pack sizes.
§ Sir Neil MacfarlaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will amend the Medicines Act to allow pharmacists to dispense pharmaceuticals in original packs of a size nearest to the quantity prescribed by the general practitioner.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have no present plans to issue a proposal for consultation since views expressed on the report of the joint sub-committee of the standing medical, nursing and midwives and pharmaceutical advisory committees have so far led to disagreement.