§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health if he will consult the Medical Advisory Committee on the question of suitable and equally effective drugs to replace heroin; and if he will then circularise the medical profession with the opinion that is expressed.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI do not consider that it is necessary further to consult the Standing Medical Advisory Committee. The various forms of alternative treatment are known and have been discussed in the medical Press.
§ 20. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Health what reply he proposes to make to the further representations made to him by the British Medical Association on 5th December in relation to the ban on the use of heroin.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI assume the hon. Member refers to the statement issued to Members of Parliament and to the Press by the public relations officer of the British Medical Association. If so, I would refer the hon. Member to the various statements made by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Home Secretary.
21. Mrs. Jegerasked the Minister of Health what treatment will be available under the National Health Service after 31st December, 1955, for patients in the terminal stages of painful illness for whom at present heroin is prescribed and who are declared by their doctors to 236W receive no relief from the recommended alternatives.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to her Question on 12th December.