HC Deb 21 November 1983 vol 49 cc69-70W
Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to remind doctors of the need to reduce the drugs bill by greater control of repeat prescriptions for tranquillisers, sedatives and sleeping pills.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We frequently ask doctors to consider economy and safety when making prescribing decisions.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the annual cost of prescribing tranquilisers, sedatives and sleeping pills.

Mr. John Patten

Information is only available for the Family Practitioner Service, not for the Hospital and Community Health Service or for dispensing doctors.

The total basic drug cost of hypnotics, sedatives and tranquillisers and of anti-depressant and sedative tranquilliser combinations dispensed by chemists and appliance contractors in England in 1982 was as follows:

£ million
Hypnotics 22.6
Sedatives and tranquillisers 26.8
Anti-depressant and sedative tranquilliser Combinations 2.6

Note: The basic cost does not take account of discount and does not include any payments to pharmacies for dispensing.