HC Deb 19 July 1993 vol 229 c43W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what guidance he has issued to hospitals as to the use of drugs after their use-by date;

(2) what evidence he has of hospitals using drugs which are past their use-by date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 2 July 1993]: The Scottish Office Home and Health Department issued guidelines on safe and secure handling of medicines in October 1988 commending hospital staff to return all out-of-date drugs or medicines to the pharmacy for disposal. I have no evidence that this guidance has not been adhered to.