Amphetamines

HC Deb 02 February 1971 vol 810 cc297-9W

30. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the experiment in the almost total ban on amphetamines by doctors at Ipswich; and what conclusions he has drawn.

Mr. Alison

A medical officer of my Department has visited Ipswich and reported on the arrangements which have been made there. We welcome the voluntary ban on amphetamines and the fact that similar measures are being taken or planned in other areas.

45. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements he has made with the medical profession to restrict the issue of prescriptions for the amphetamine group of drugs of dependence.

Mr. Alison

Supplies of injectable methylamphetamine have been restricted to hospitals since October, 1968.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has recently given to the medical profession on the prescription of amphetamine pills.

Mr. Alison

It is not for my right hon. Friend to issue such advice, but the indications for the use of amphetamines and their dangers have been well documented and have been referred to in a letter from the Chief Medical Officer to all doctors.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will name the conditions for which amphetamines are medically irreplaceable.

Mr. Alison

It is not for my right hon. Friend to give a ruling on clinical matters; but authoritative opinion holds that the number of conditions for which only the amphetamine group of drugs gives effective relief is very small; the main ones being narcolepsy and certain cases of epilepsy under heavy dosage of anti-convulsants.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations with the British Medical Association he has had to discuss alternatives to amphetamines, to be recommended for cases of chronic depression.

Mr. Alison

This is a clinical matter in which it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to intervene; but the Association shares the Government's concern about amphetamines and has taken steps to discourage their misuse.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will discuss with the British Medical Association the imposition of restrictions on the amount of amphetamine which can be prescribed by an individual doctor.

Mr. Alison

We have this possibility in mind.