HC Deb 28 January 2004 vol 417 c442W
Ian Lucas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on inspection procedures at sites licensed by the Drugs Inspectorate for disposal of medicines and pharmaceuticals. [150438]

Caroline Flint

Inspections may be conducted routinely, approximately once per year, or unannounced; such visits may take place on occasions when controlled drugs are being destroyed. In addition to checking the operating procedures the records containing details of consignments and their destruction will be examined.

Some operators are licensed to store controlled drugs pending destruction while others are only authorised to destroy upon arrival on site.

Ian Lucas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the minimum security procedures at sites licensed by the Drugs Inspectorate for disposal of medicines and pharmaceuticals. [150439]

Caroline Flint

Security requirements are assessed on an individual basis but in all cases controlled drug consignments are required to be recorded and kept safely locked away. In conjunction with the issue of the licence, advice is given on a range of matters bearing on security. This includes appropriate staffing, good handling practice, vehicle management and electronic security as well as liaison with local police.