PM calls for disclosure on controversial pregnancy drug

The Prime Minister has ordered a full disclosure of all documents relating to the pregnancy drug Primodos, which alleged victims claim caused deformities at birth.

David Cameron met Bolton South East Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, who is calling for a public inquiry.

She wants to know what effect, if any, the drug had on babies born in the 1960s and 1970s. Mr Cameron said he will ask the Department of Health to disclose all documents that may have been withheld at the time the drug was on sale, as well as documents that may still be hidden from public view.

Primodos was prescribed by GPs across Britain in the 1960s and 1970s to determine whether or not a woman was pregnant. It is estimated 1.5 million took the drug. Yasmin Qureshi claims hundreds of people in the North West are still living with the effects.

The drug was taken off the market in 1978.

Bayer Pharmaceuticals, who took brought out Schering who made Primodos, denies the drug was responsible for causing any deformities in children.

A company spokesperson said:

"UK litigation in respect of Primodos ended in 1982 when the claimants’ legal team, with the approval of the court, decided to discontinue the litigation on the grounds there was no realistic possibility of showing Primodos caused the congenital abnormalities alleged."