TRANQUILLISERS Sta,—The regulations concerning the distribution and use of tranquillisers,
mentioned by Pharos this week, cannot be 'ridiculously lax' because regulations are non-existent.
The important point raised by suggested regula- tion of tranquillisers is whether or not a doctor shall be free to prescribe for his patient as he thinks fit.
Tranquillisers and other drugs such as hormones and slimming preparations are distributed to the public by chemists on doctors' prescriptions; there is no law which forbids their sale without prescription, but no responsible chemist will sell them unless he is satisfied that the patient has had them recently co prescription. Nearly all customers who wish to buy them are referred to their doctor, and I estimate that the percentage sold over the counter is infinitesimal. No doubt the price of some tranquillisers could be substantially reduced by the manufacturers, but perhaps this could be suitably investigated by a Monopolies Commission?—Yours faithfully,
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