§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines he has issued to health boards on the prescription of Temazepam; what is the latest date that he issued these guidelines; what guidelines he plans to issue; and if he will make a statement. [19013]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn the light of concern about the misuse of Temazepam, the Chief Medical Officer at the Scottish Office had discussions with directors of public health in November 1992 about measures which might be taken to tackle the problem. Local action so far has included voluntary bans or restrictions on prescribing in some areas, and initiatives to raise the awareness of doctors about the implications of misuse.
Health boards were also asked to develop local policies in 1994–95 to reduce the use of anxiolytics and hypnotics—which include Temazepam—and to ensure that systems are in place for the clinical review of all repeat prescribing.
Guidance on the prescribing of benzodiazepines, including Temazepam and other hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs, was most recently issued in November 1994 in the form of a report prepared by a working group set up by the Scottish National Medical Advisory Committee. The report, which was issued to health boards and all doctors in Scotland, gives practical advice on how the prescribing of benzodiazepines can be reduced.
The need for further advice is being kept under review.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what recommendations have been received from the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs in relation to Temazepam since 1992; what action he has taken on these recommendations; if he will review the position of his Department in relation to these recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [19021]
(2) If he will make Temazepam a schedule 3, rather than a schedule 4, drug as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement. [18995]
212W
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs reviewed the controls on Temazepam in 1992–93 and recommended, subject to public consultation, that the drug should be re-scheduled from schedule 4 to schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985. Following wide public consultation and consideration the of responses, the council recommended to the Home Secretary in July 1993 that control of the drug should be tightened. The issues involved are complex, but the Government hope to announce the outcome of their consideration soon.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the private prescription of Temazepam and other drugs is controlled and regulated; what record is kept by(a) doctors and (b) pharmacists of private prescriptions; what plans he has to tighten up the private prescription of Temazepam; and if he will make a statement. [19010]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWhen prescribing in a private capacity, general practitioners operate outside the General Medical Service Regulations. It is good professional practice to keep accurate medical records. The General Medical Council has regarded as serious professional misconduct the prescription or supply of drugs of dependence otherwise than in the course of bona fide treatment.
The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985 require that when a private prescription is dispensed by a pharmacist an entry must be made in the private prescription book on the date of dispensing, or if that is not reasonably practicable on the following day. Also, the book must be preserved for two years from the date of the last entry and, in the case of prescription only medicines such as Temazepam, the prescription must be retained for two years. The regulations require that private prescriptions be produced for inspection on request by the Home Office drugs inspectorate or by other persons authorised to demand this information.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ban Temazepam in its jelly formulation; and if he will make a statement. [19024]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have no such immediate plans but the misuse of Temazepam capsules is of particular concern and we will keep the position under review.