HL Deb 15 December 1986 vol 483 cc5-6

2.46 p.m.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. I declare my interest in that eight weeks ago I became president of RoSPA.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the present arrangements for the labelling of drugs to warn drivers of the adverse effects on their driving ability whilst taking medication.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)

My Lords, yes.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that reply. Have Her Majesty's Government considered adopting Norway's practice of having a red triangle on the medicine bottle warning drivers that they should not drive while taking such medicines? What research have Her Majesty's Government done into the effects of drug taking on accidents as recommended by the Transport Committee of another place last year?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, as we are not convinced that there is a problem, I see little reason for a symbol which may not be understood or obeyed, or, worst of all, may lead to the patient stopping his medicine when he wanted to drive. That would be against his own interests in recovery from the illness.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, does the Minister accept that not only may RoSPA be surprised but that the Medical Committee for the Prevention of Accidents may also be surprised? If she is satisfied, will she say what statutory body is responsible for the collection of information and the monitoring of the labelling of medicine bottles?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, I am advised that there is little evidence of a link between medication and road accidents. Most medicines which make one drowsy require a medical prescription. Those which do not require medical prescriptions such as the anti-histamines must already have a label warning one not to drive or operate machinery. The prime responsibility is for the individual who should not drive if he does not feel up to it, whatever the reason.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, is the Minister surprised to know that we are a little dissatisfied with her answer? As one who has had such medication, I have been frequently advised by the doctor when making out the prescription and also warned by the dispenser at the chemist that to continue taking the medication when driving can be extremely serious? Should some advice be given not only to the driver but also to the medical profession and dispensers at chemists?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, a medicine is merely a means to the end of treatment. It must be a matter for the doctor. Only he can decide what to prescribe and what to tell his patient. We are encouraging research into the communication needs of patients, but that is not complete. It would be wrong for me to anticipate the result. I remind your Lordships that the Highway Code contains a reminder that driving under the influence of drugs is an offence under the Road Traffic Act.

Lord Kinnaird

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that some years ago, while taking some of this medication, I dropped asleep and then woke up and found myself driving down the middle of the dual carriageway? It was fortunate that I woke up. I stopped in the next lay-by, promptly threw away all the pills and quickly got better.

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, my noble friend was a very lucky man.