§ Kevin BrennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of amphetamines and other stimulants by British armed forces. [96751]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 10 February 2003]In common with civilian medical practice, amphetamines and other stimulant drugs may be prescribed by armed forces medical personnel for defined clinical conditions. However, such clinical conditions would preclude operational deployment. Misuse of these or other drugs would result in disciplinary action.
§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of go pills and similar drugs by(a) Royal Air Force, (b) Fleet Air Arm and (c) Army Air Corps personnel (i) seconded to, (ii) attached to, (iii) under the operational command of and (iv) on personnel exchanges with the United States armed forces. [98720]
§ Dr. MoonieUnited Kingdom armed forces aircrew serving on exchange or attachment with the United States armed forces operate under the same terms and conditions as US personnel. Therefore, any drug or non-medicinal products offered to US armed forces aircrew to counter fatigue would also be offered to UK aircrew on exchange or attachment who are engaged in the same mission. In accordance with US armed forces policy, the20W use of such products is voluntary and only permissible after individuals have been tested for adverse effects. The offer of these products is subject to strict criteria and close medical supervision. UK aircrew on exchange or attachment with the US armed forces are permitted to accept the same drugs to counter fatigue as US aircrew, subject to the same conditions.
British forces under operational command of US forces would continue to adhere to standard UK operating procedures. It is not our practice to issue drugs or other products to UK armed forces aircrew to counter fatigue.