HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc191-2W
Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Health how many barbiturate and other sleeping pills are supplied weekly to the public; and what evidence he has that such supply is having a bad effect on the health of the population, especially those with neurotic tendencies.

Mr. K. Robinson

The information requested in the first part of the Question is not available, but in the first six months of 1966 about 10 million National Health Service prescriptions for barbiturates and other hypnotics, which may be used in the treatment of many conditions, were dispensed in England and Wales. I have no evidence that harmful effects or dependence occur at all frequently in relation to the number of prescriptions.