§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning the volume of analgesics available for over the counter sale by(a) pharmacies and (b) other retail outlets. [45859]
§ Mr. MilburnIn November 1996 a public consultation exercise was carried out on the availability of over the counter analgesics from pharmacies and general retail outlets, including proposals to restrict availability to reduce toxicity in overdose. Consumer and patient organisations, professional bodies and industry provided full and detailed responses which were carefully considered.
As a result of these representations, new measures have been introduced to restrict pack sizes for paracetamol and aspirin containing medicines available for over the counter sale by pharmacies to 32 tablets or capsules, and by general retail outlets to 16 tablets or capsules. These measures will take effect on 16 September 1998, following a transition period of 1 year during which the new smaller packs are being introduced.