§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many slimming clinics have closed as a result of the implementation by the Medicines Control Agency of the ban on the use of products containing amfepramone and phentermine; and how many jobs have been lost through such closures. [121109]
§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 8 May 2000]: We do not have evidence that slimming clinics are closing, other than the one claim brought to our attention by the right hon. Member, following the withdrawal of amfepramone and phentermine from the market.
The European Commission's decision to withdraw amfepramone and phentermine products became effective from 9 April 2000. Following a legal challenge, the European Court has suspended the European Commission decision to withdraw amfepramone products. As a consequence the licences for amfepramone products were reinstated on 18 April 2000 and amfepramone has again been available on the United Kingdom market since that date. The European Court has not currently made any decision to suspend the Commission's decision regarding phentermine, which remains withdrawn.