§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many drug companies still supply amphetamines for use in the National Health Service; if general practitioners' prescription of these drugs is monitored; if further discussions with the General Medical Services Committee have sought a voluntary restriction on prescribing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleFour drug companies market amphetamines, but whether these drugs are used in the National Health Service depends upon individual doctors' decisions as to what drugs their patients need. All prescribing by general practitioners in the National Health Service is subject to monitoring. I understand that in 1970 the Annual Representative Meeting of the British Medical Association adopted a resolution that doctors should avoid prescribing amphetamines.
The production and supply of amphetamines and the issue of prescriptions for them is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973 (S.I., 1973, No. 797).