§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that a few doctors in the Harley Street area are prescribing controlled drugs to addicts and are charging the addicts for the prescription for a week's supply, and that the addict then sells about half the supply on the black market and lives on the proceeds, and what action they are taking to deal with this problem.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)In recent years an increasing number of doctors both in private and NHS practice have become involved in the treatment of addicts, as they are free to do. Some practise in the Harley Street area.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in its recent Report on Treatment and Rehabilitation (a copy of which has been placed in the Library) has expressed concern about the diversion of prescribed drugs to the illicit market and about the charging of fees for consultation and prescribing of controlled drugs for addiction. The council has made a number of recommendations which are now being studied by my right honourable friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Social Services, where appropriate in consultation with the medical profession. Meanwhile if the noble Lord has evidence that would justify action under Section 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 against particular doctors for irresponsible prescribing, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary would be glad to consider it.