Off-patent Drugs Bill

Ian Blackford Excerpts

Friday 6th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Alistair Burt]

That is not the case.

[Ian Blackford]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Will you give us some guidance? Given the feelings being expressed throughout the Chamber, what can we do to move a closure motion so that the views of the House can be expressed properly in this debate?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel)]

The hon. Gentleman is perfectly entitled to move a closure motion, and it is for the Chair to decide whether or not to accept that motion.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ian Blackford]

claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36), but the Deputy Speaker withheld her assent and declined to put that Question.

[Alistair Burt]

The guidance says that in treating their patients, clinicians must first consider using a licensed medicine within its licensed indication. If that will not meet their patient’s needs, they can consider a licensed medicine outside its licensed indication, and only if that is not suitable should they consider using a medicine that is not licensed at all. We know that a great many medicines can offer benefits to patients when prescribed outside their licensed indications.