asked the Minister of Health whether he will refer the Soberette pill to the Poisons Board for advice as to whether such pills should be restricted for issue only on doctor's prescriptions.

No, Sir.

Can nothing be done to stop the distribution of these pills and the stupid and misleading claims which give a false impression to the public? Is there nothing the Government can do?

In my reply to my hon. Friend's Question last week, I said that there is no evidence to suggest that these tablets are medically harmful. Drugs which are limited under the poisons legislation to supply on prescription could all have serious effects unless taken in accordance with medical advice. That does not apply in this case.

Has my hon. Friend seen the advertisements? Will she agree that what they do is to encourage the taking of alcohol before driving? In the circumstances, whether these tablets are technically poisonous or not, is it not important to have an objective assessment of their value and possible dangers? What can be done about it by the Ministry?

I have seen the publicity. The question of the effect of taking these pills in relation to driving is not one for my Department to answer.