§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will carry out an inquiry into the number of people in England and Wales involuntarily addicted to benzodiazepines; and if he will make a statement. [8498]
§ Mr. MilburnThere are currently no plans to carry out such an inquiry. The principal focus of the Department's action in this area has been to try to prevent addiction occurring by warning general practitioners and other prescribers of the dangers of involuntary addiction to benzodiazepines. The Department funds a number of publications that are available to general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals—for instance, the British National Formulary and a Medicines Resource Centre monthly bulletin, which give information on the treatment of various conditions and the drugs involved in such treatment.
In 1994, the Department agreed to fund a helpline run by the Council for Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction, a voluntary organisation which aims to support those who wish to withdraw from tranquillisers and sleeping tablets. CITA was provided with funding of £10,000 in 1994–95, £10,000 in 1995–96 and £10,000 in 1996–97. In addition, the Department continues to fund the mental health charity MIND, which operates local self-help groups for people dependent on tranquillisers.