Explanatory note

This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.

These regulations, which come into force on 1 December 1999, revoke those provisions of the Health (Needles and Syringes) Regulations 1998 that—

• •regulate the price that may be charged to the purchaser of a new needle or new syringe:

• •require the Director-General of Health to fix service fees and costs in relation to the sale of a new needle or new syringe.

These changes enable persons authorised to sell needles and syringes under the principal regulations (pharmacists, pharmacy employees, approved medical practitioners, and authorised representatives) to set their own prices. (The purpose of the changes is to facilitate what is hoped to be an overall reduction in the price of new needles and new syringes.)