HC Deb 17 December 1962 vol 669 cc878-9
26. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Health what recent reports he has received from his medical advisers on the effects of the use of sedatives, especially sleeping pills; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Powell

None, Sir.

Mr. Henderson

Has the attention of the Minister been drawn to the report, which appeared recently in the Evening News, that 27 million prescriptions are issued each year and that 1,500,000 sleeping pills are used each night in this country? Will he look into this and consider whether a national campaign should be organised to educate people to an awareness of the problem of the overuse of drugs, and even try to counteract the cause—which to a large extent is due to high pressure salesmanship?

Mr. Powell

I am sure that these matters are in the minds of the medical profession in prescribing for and advising their patients.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard Schweppes as a sedative?

Mr. Powell

There is an appeal ultimately to me on these matters, but prima facie it does not seem to me that this would be prescribable on Form E.C.10.

Mr. Henderson

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this problem, because I told his Department of the existence of this report in the Evening News? I am sorry he has found it unnecessary to look into the problem.

Mr. Powell

I am sorry, but I did not connect any communication from the right hon. and learned Gentleman with this question. Indeed, I was at a loss to know his precise point. I will certainly look at the matter and see whether I can write to him further about it.