HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc1056-7
41. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of patients who have transferred from doctors who refused to prescribe advertised proprietory drugs to other who will do so; and if he will take steps to protect doctors from this form of pressure.

Commander Galbraith

No statistics are available. Various forms of publicity have emphasised that it is for the doctor, not the patient, to decide what is to be prescribed, and I look to the doctors to support one another in this matter.

43. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount was spent in prescriptions in 1950, 1951 and 1952, on slimming tablets; and what researches his Department has made to satisfy itself as to the value of these tablets in reducing obesity.

Commander Galbraith

Detailed information is not available. I have no reason to think that doctors are prescribing drugs which are not of value, when taken under medical supervision, in cases where weight reduction is necessary on medical grounds.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. and

gallant Gentleman aware of a report last week that £400,000 had been spent on slimming tablets? Will he confirm—it is a very important matter—whether the tablets really slim or whether they merely curb the appetite?

Commander Galbraith

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Lady refers. I would inform her that the drug, dexedrine, to which she has referred, is quite an effective drug for slimming when used under medical supervision, and slimming is not the only purpose for which it is prescribed.

Mr. Boothby

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many more people die from being too thin than from being too fat?

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the drug cannot be used except under medical supervision, so that his statement is rather superfluous? Is he aware that medical opinion is that the drug does not reduce obesity but merely curbs the appetite? Is not £400.000 an extravagant sum to spend for that purpose?

Commander Galbraith

I have to rely on the medical advice given me, and that is that the drug is effective for slimming.