§ Mr. Michael MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the sections of the Medicines Act which relate to powers to refuse supply of a prescription medicine against a named patient prescription.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 21 October 1991]: The Medicines Act 1968 and orders made under the Act control the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines supplied to the public. There are no powers to refuse the supply of a prescription-only medicine against a properly completed prescription from a doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner in accordance with section 58 of the Act and article 12 of the Medicines (Products other than Veterinary Drugs) (Prescription Only) Order 1983 provided that it is not subject to an order under section 62 prohibiting the supply of medicine on grounds of safety. A pharmacist may also refuse to supply a medicine if advised by the Medicines Control Agency. acting under section 28 of the Act, that a medicine has been withdrawn with immediate effect on grounds of safety.