HC Deb 22 March 1996 vol 274 cc378-9W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what ways British standards covering the strength of blister packs for pharmaceutical products differ from those applying in(a) other European Union countries, (b) the United States of America and (c) Japan. [21783]

Mr. Malone

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations have taken place with(a) consumers' and (b) child safety organisations about child safety in respect of blister packs of pharmaceutical products. [21782]

Mr. Malone

None. Blister packs are only one of several ways in which pharmaceutical products may be packaged. Marketing authorisation holders will take child safety into account along with other relevant factors in deciding on the most suitable packaging for their product.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what regulations cover standards for blister packs of pharmaceutical products destined for the United States of America; how these regulations differ from those in the United Kingdom; and what representations he has received from exporters; [21781]

(2) if he will list the internationally agreed technical specifications covering blister packs used for pharmaceutical products. [21780]

Mr. Malone

This information is not available. I have received no representations from exporters on this matter.