HC Deb 24 February 2004 vol 418 cc341-2W
17. Mr. Grogan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding guidance issued to doctors concerning the prescribing of benzodiazepines. [155734]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Guidance on the prescribing of benzodiazepines is provided in i he British National Formulary, which is sent to all doctors within the National Health Service and on the Internet at Electronic Medicines Compendium. The guidance has been reiterated in the Chief Medical Officer's Update dated January 2004 Which announced the Department's intention to introduce instalment dispensing of benzodiazepines to minimise access to extensive doses.

Forward to