The study is based upon a questionnaire sent by mail to 403 general practitioners and 174 pharmaceutical representatives in Norway. 62% of the general practitioners and 60% of the representatives replied. The results indicate that 92% of the general practitioners are satisfied with the representatives as a source of medical information. The general practitioners seem to be aware that the representatives are part of the marketing system, but accept this situation. 68% of the general practitioners do not think that the representatives influence their choice of drugs. 55% of the representatives think that being a 'salesman' is their most important function. 30% consider that providing information on their products is most important, while 15% believe that their most important job is to serve as a link between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. The study suggests mutual understanding concerning practical contact between the general practitioners and representatives.