§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to restrict over-the-counter sales of amyl-nitrate to juniors; and if he will make a statement. [40768]
§ Mr. SackvilleI understand from the Medicines Control Agency that products containing amyl-nitrate are not legally available over the counter. They are medicinal1000W products and are controlled by the Medicines Act 1968. Only doctors and chemists can supply this type of medicine to the public and their sale from other outlets is illegal.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has considered on a number of occasions whether alkyl-nitrates, of which amyl-nitrate is one, should be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. On the last occasion, in 1995, the council concluded that they did not give rise to a social problem justifying their control under the provisions of the 1971 Act. That remains the present position, but the situation will continue to be monitored.