HC Deb 14 February 1966 vol 724 cc910-1
37. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Health what further progress has been made concerning his discussions with the medical profession on the recommendations of the Brain Committee on Drug Addiction; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

The discussions referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on 31st January are continuing but I am not yet able to make a further statement.

Mr. Braine

As the Brain Committee reported over two months ago and this is an urgent matter, could the Minister give some indication of when the discussions will be completed? Will he, in the meantime, bear in mind two suggestions, first, that the proposed central authority should keep a record of sources from which notified addicts get their supplies, and second, that all prescriptions containing heroin should be sent to the authority immediately after dispensing?

Mr. Robinson

The first of the two suggestions would be taken care of if the recommendations were fully implemented. I should like to look at the second. I am pressing on as quickly as possible with the discussions on the examination of outstanding points with my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland with a view to the introduction of the necessary legislation as soon as Parliamentary time permits.