§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many doctors have been prosecuted for actions involving drug abuse; what penalties were imposed on those convicted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe available statistics indicate that, in 1983, 11 medical practitioners were prosecuted in the United Kingdom for offences under drugs legislation or for other offences where controlled drugs were involved. Of the eight found guilty, five were fined, two were given a conditional discharge and one was given a suspended sentence of imprisonment.
In the same period, three medical practitioners were found by tribunals set up under the provisions of section 439W 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to have been prescribing controlled drugs in an irresponsible manner. In each case a direction was made prohibiting the practitioner from prescribing certain controlled drugs.