§ 25. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Health whether he will issue on coloured paper forms for prescriptions to be used for habit-forming drugs.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI have previously considered this, in consultation with the medical profession, but have concluded that the possible advantages do not outweigh the probable disadvantages.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltBearing in mind that these drugs are quite distinct, and the need to isolate them from a prescription point of view, can the right hon. Gentleman say what other plans or suggestions he is considering?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis question is under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and myself. There is no evidence that the improper use of prescription forms provide a major source of illicit supplies of pep pills and similar drugs. The number of E.C.10 forms reported lost or stolen is extremely small. It is less than 1–300th of 1 per cent. of all prescriptions written.