§ Dr. OwenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the average length of time that it takes for those addicted to benodiazepines to be free of all withdrawal symptoms from these drugs.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department has no information on this matter.
§ Dr. OwenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has that benzodiazepines are still being routinely prescribed as sleeping tablets in hospitals; and for what periods.
§ Mr. MellorWe do not collect centrally information about prescribing patterns of hospital doctors.
§ Dr. OwenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any more recent estimates than that published in 1986 of the number of people addicted to or dependent on benzodiazepines; and whether he will give financial support to help people withdraw from these drugs.
§ Mr. FreemanThere are no precise figures to show the level or trend in benzodiazepine dependence. Significant sums have been invested in the treatment of drug misuse including £17.5 million centrally in grants to 188 local projects many of which also offer help to tranquilliser victims. Regional health authorities have since 1986 received earmarked funds annually for the development of services for those experiencing problems from the use of illicit or prescribed drugs. In 1989–90, the sum will be increased to £14 million. In addition, we are funding MIND to establish a national directory of services for tranquilliser dependants and to produce up-to-date publicity material, and Tranx UK has this year received £10,000 towards its national activities.