HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc92-3
9. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new proposals he has to reduce abuse of prescribed drugs. [38219]

Mr. Bowis

Any drug, prescribed or otherwise, can cause serious harm if misused. We will take whatever action is necessary to tackle the misuse of drugs. Recent measures have dealt with the serious problem of temazepam misuse.

Mr. Flynn

As 200 people died last year as a result of paracetamol use—twice the number of people who died as a result of heroin use—and 30,000 people were admitted to hospitals as a result of paracetamol overdoses, what is the Minister doing to unblock the ban on the sale of the safe paracetamol that includes an antidote that prevents liver damage? Is it not true that drug companies are campaigning against safe paracetamol because they know that the only way in which to market the safe product is to draw attention to the deadly peril of the existing paracetamol products?

Mr. Bowis

We will always look at the safety of medicines as the subject is brought to our attention, and there are proper procedures for considering such matters. The hon. Gentleman is trying to confuse several types of drugs that could be perfectly safe if used properly, but can be very dangerous if misused. That is why we have taken action on temazepam. I should have thought that he might start by welcoming the steps taken when a drug is perceived to be a danger to the public—the fast steps to remove the gel-filled capsules and to reschedule that drug.

Many issues surround the hon. Gentleman's messages about drugs. On the whole, his message that cannabis, for example, is something to be taken without hesitation is something that the House would reject.

Mr. Fabricant

In that very connection, I was wondering what representations my hon. Friend has received from the shadow Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Ms Short), regarding cannabis, and has she said whether or not she inhales?

Mr. Bowis

I would say to my hon. Friend, to the hon. Member for Ladywood and to Opposition Front Benchers that, if they came with me and saw some of the results of cannabis use, if they came and saw children trying to find the courage to say no to drugs, if they came and saw young people struggling to get out of the black hole into which they have fallen as a result of trying drugs—and trying cannabis among them—they would know that they are not helped by the Labour party's line of "soft on drugs, soft on criminal abuse of drugs", as expounded by the hon. Member for Ladywood in her capacity as a member of the shadow Cabinet.

Mr. Flynn

In view of the disgracefully complacent and libellous nature of the Minister's reply, I intend to raise that matter on the Adjournment.