§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to publicise the inquiry into the labelling, prescribing and sale of products containing paracetamol; and if he will make a statement. [7501]
§ Mr. MaloneThere has been wide publicity. On 22 November 1996, a press release was issued to announce the commencement of a public consultation exercise, seeking views on label warnings and pack sizes of paracetamol available without prescription. The announcement received prominent media coverage. The consultation letter giving details of proposals has been sent to 245 professional bodies, consumer organisations and marketing authorisation holders. Articles and commentaries have been carried by medical and pharmaceutical journals and the trades press as well as national newspapers.