HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 cc130-1
13. Ms Quin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new proposals she has to review the use of Temazepam.

Dr Mawhinney

In the White Paper, "The Health of the Nation," we drew attention to the need to develop local programmes to review the prescription of all benzodiazepines, including Temazepam, and to replace them as necessary with other methods of treatment. Family health services authorities have been asked to work with general practitioners to agree local targets on the reduction of benzodiazepine prescribing.

Ms Quin

Does the Minister agree that national action—[Interruption.]

Madam Speaker

Order. I can barely hear the hon. Lady from across the Chamber. I seek the co-operation of the House. I do not want to stop conversations, but let them be a little quieter so that I can hear hon. Members who are asking questions. Otherwise, it is a total waste of time.

Ms Quin

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Does the Minister agree that national action on reviewing this drug is urgently needed in view of the alarming number of crimes that have been committed by people high on Temazepam taken in combination with alcohol and other substances? Does the Minister also agree with me that action is urgently needed to stop the alarming number of thefts of this drug from chemist shops?

Dr. Mawhinney

I am aware of the problems of theft, particularly in the area that the hon. Lady represents. I know that that has been a matter of particular local concern. I am sure that we both agree that pharmacists need to take adequate precautions to try to ensure that drugs are stored safely on their premises.

The hon. Lady will be pleased to know that copies of the Mental Health Foundation publication entitled "Guidelines for the Prevention of Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence" were issued to all family health services authorities just last week.

Mr. Hayes

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the real problem with Temazepam is not with the drug itself, but with the abuse of the capsule? Would the most sensible thing to do be not to withdraw the whole drug, but just to withdraw the capsule which is being abused so horrendously?

Dr. Mawhinney

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The capsule form was changed to a gel form in 1989, I believe. That has caused difficulties for those who persist in using the drug illegally. It is a matter which is under review.