§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds will be allocated under the central funding initiative to projects in the catering specifically for benzodiazepine dependence in 1989–90.
§ Mr. MellorNone. The central funding initiative was set up in 1983 and grants were awarded for a maximum of three years. Most grants have now therefore ended.
§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the chief medical officer has met the representatives of the medical profession to discuss benzodiazepine prescribing; what further action has been decided upon to reduce the number of people taking; benzodiazepines; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe chief medical officer held a useful meeting with representatives of the medical profession on 22 November to discuss benzodiazepines. We are considering what action might be taken to follow up some of the helpful suggestions made.
§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he intends to seek to establish precise figures to show the level of trend in benzodiazepine dependence in future.
§ Mr. MellorIt is unlikely that it would be possible to obtain accurate statistical data on those dependent on benzodiazopines. What is important is to encourage careful prescribing of benzodiazepines, to promote alternatives to their use, and to provide services for those experiencing problems as a result of their dependence; the hon. Member will be aware of the initiatives the Government are taking in this respect.
Disposal of NHS land Financial year—total receipts £ thousands Region 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 Northern 150 123 748 413 858 1,436 1,337 6,162 3,872 Yorkshire 766 713 961 1,756 844 1,073 2,005 4,127 5,450 Trent 505 1,596 1,697 1,567 2,342 3,910 4,851 6,308 7,628 East Anglian 251 188 357 699 934 8,184 3,501 3,932 3,812 North West Thames 1,228 1,293 4,358 2,719 6,096 6,724 6,556 24,452 50,255 North East Thames 1,804 1,405 1,039 1,061 3,771 2,828 6,272 13,150 28,005 South East Thames 336 746 1,191 2,197 1,570 2,549 11,054 19,789 25,599 South West Thames 93 3,451 1,989 878 2,409 10,510 9,085 30,157 24,541 Wessex 1,323 748 383 461 1,238 1,956 4,687 10,216 5,678 Oxford 922 1,619 1,194 2,287 1,522 1,745 7,559 2,926 10,617 South Western 1,074 1,973 1,567 537 972 2,678 5,001 10,872 10,094 West Midlands 578 493 1,114 1,185 1,930 2,311 3,859 3,542 5,311 Mersey 264 549 713 1,577 1,464 1,087 2,377 4,109 6,923 North Western 338 334 1,414 600 999 1,979 2,515 8,396 4,075 BGs/SHAs 272 Nil 700 63 4,559 49 14,283 888 12,197 England 9,904 15,231 19,424 18,000 31,508 49,019 84,942 149,026 204,062
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the sales of National Health Service property and land by district health authorities area since 1979.
§ Mr. MellorWe do not collect routinely in the Department information of sales of NHS property and land by district health authorities.