asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now publish a synopsis on any new data on the safety of the contraceptive depo provera in the short term and the long term; if he will gather information from outside sources regarding the side effects of this drug; and if he will make a statement.

The licensing authority is aware of a very large number of articles concerned with medroxyprogesterone acetate—Depo Provera—published in the last year, and it would not be practicable to publish a synopsis of the data.An independent panel has been appointed to hear the company's case against the licensing authority's proposal to refuse a licence for long-term use of the drug. The panel has indicated, with the consent of the company, that it is prepared to consider written evidence from individuals and organisations other than the company involved.