From Mr R. R. Cook
SIR,-Mr Brian Spencer (PJ, July 1, p13) asks why the National Office of Animal Health Ltd did not reply to Andrew Cairns's letter of May 20? The answer was not that we "do not have a leg to stand on", but rather that Mr Cairns's letter was principally about the forthcoming Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food review of the dispensing and classification of veterinary medicines. Although this review was announced by the Government in April, following the Agricultural Summit of March 30, the details of who will conduct that inquiry two and a half months later, their remit and timetable have still not been published. Until more details are known, and the NOAH membership has had the opportunity to discuss them both internally and with all affected organisations, it would be premature to engage in public debate through your columns.
As I understand the concerns of Mr Spencer and others, their objective is commercial - wishing to have access to this "lucrative product area". Last September, NOAH's companion animal subcommittee reminded the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Agricultural and Veterinary Pharmacists Group that a large range of PML and GSL pet medicines existed which could already be sold by pharmacies, and that a proven record of sales of such products would undoubtedly help their case. We would be delighted to learn from the Society the extent to which its members have risen to this challenge.
Roger R. Cook
Director, National Office of Animal Health