§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will take steps to ensure that a health warning is given on all bottles of benzodiazepines prescribed to patients, to the effect that those medicines can cause dependence.
§ Mr. MellorI have no present plans to do so. The space available on medicines labels is limited. Leaflets offer greater scope for developing communication to patients about medicines.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds were allocated by his Department in 1987 to assist people dependent on benzodiazepines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIn 1987–88 the following grants were made under the central drugs initiative to services specifically for those dependent on benzodiazepines
Mind (Copeland)—tranquilliser withdrawal scheme £33,541North East Council on Addictions—tranquilliser advice and support scheme £40,662Grants totalling £4,038,962 were also made to 97 other projects in 1987.88 under this initiative, some of which provided a service for those dependent on benzodiazepines. In addition the Government made available £6 million to regional health authorities specifically for the development of services for those experiencing problems with illicit or prescribed drugs.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the approximate cost to the National Health Service of the prescriptions issued for benzodiazepines by community pharmacists in 1987.
§ Mr. MellorWe estimate that the approximate cost to the NHS of prescriptions for benzodiazepines dispensed by community pharmacists in Great Britain in 1987 was £30.2 million.