To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has taken in respect of the import of pharmaceutical products ordered over the internet which are deemed dangerous to public health; how many prosecutions have been bought in respect of illicit imports in the last five years; and what discussions HMRC has had with overseas administrations on the issue. (272626)

I have been asked to reply.

In the United Kingdom, strict legal controls apply to the retail sale and supply of medicines and these controls apply equally to medicines sold via the internet.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for enforcing medicines legislation and can take enforcement action against breaches of that legislation in the UK. During the last five years, 18 successful prosecutions have been brought involving medicines being traded illegally over the internet.

Medicines that are brought into the UK by an individual for his or her own personal use, including those purchased via the internet, are not subject to the controls of medicines legislation.

We are aware that considerable illegal activity takes place through websites hosted abroad and outside UK control. The MHRA works closely with European Union and other international regulatory authorities to ensure that, wherever possible, offending websites are amended to reflect the law. MHRA also participates in cross-Government and international groups set up to explore how best to combat internet issues, and exchange intelligence.