asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider instituting an enquiry into the price of drugs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Drugs.
43.
The Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous questions on this subject that I am keeping the prices of drugs under watch. I believe that my representations to the trade have been effective in creating virtual parity of drug prices as between this country and Britain. In the circumstances, I do not consider an enquiry necessary.
Was there not a differential?
I explained fully at the time that there was a parity, even before this question was originally raised, as to all basic drugs and 90 per cent. of proprietary drugs. Disparity arose only in ten per cent. of proprietary preparations.
Was that in price?
Yes.
Is there any standard set by the Bureau of Standards in relation to them?
We follow the standards laid down by the British Pharmacopoeia. There is no organisation capable of examining them here.
The Bureau is not equipped?
No, not to do this job in general.