§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance her Department gives to patients who have become addicted to tranquillisers and are seeking legal redress against those who marketed these drugs; what is the estimated level of tranquilliser drug addiction in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleOur "Health of the Nation" strategy addresses the problems of prescribing benzodiazepines and the need to review their use, and health authorities are responsible for purchasing any treatment required. Matters of compensation, however, are for individuals to pursue with the companies concerned, if necessary through the courts, as in other areas of health care. Information about tranquilliser drug addiction is not available centrally.