§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the development and use of calcium blockers as anti-hypertensives.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Calcium antagonists are licensed in the United Kingdom as medicinal products but only two, Verapamil and Nifedipine, are used in the treatment of heart disease. Neither of these drugs is indicated for use in the treatment of hypertension. I am 432W however aware of clinical trials being conducted in this country to test the efficacy of calcium antagonists for this purpose. If the hon. Member is concerned about any particular aspect of the development and use of calcium antagonists, perhaps he would care to write to me.