HC Deb 29 October 1998 vol 318 c296W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has evaluated into the relative effectiveness of(a) dextropropoxphene used in combination with paracetamol and (b) paracetamol alone in acute pain relief. [56543]

Ms Jowell

All applications for marketing authorisations to place a medicinal product on the market must be supported by data showing the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. The Medicines Control Agency assesses this data and permits a product to be placed on the market only if it is satisfied that the data submitted by the applicant prove the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. The Medicines Control Agency does not, however, make any assessment of comparative efficacy of any medicinal product.