§ Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Health whether, following his announcement about the Standing Advisory Committee, he will now make a statement about the other recommendations in the Brain Committee's Report. 84W national dried milk, cod liver oil, and orange juice.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe cost of supplying welfare foods (other than liquid milk) to beneficiaries in England and Wales in the financial year ended 31st March, 1965, was as set out below:
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThere are already centres for the treatment of addicts and more beds could be made available if the demand increases. A conference of doctors experienced in the treatment of drug addicts is being convened in order to pool the medical knowledge of the subject. Steps are being taken to set up a unit in which research into the problems of drug dependency can be undertaken.
The Government are preparing legislation to implement the Committee's recommendation for the compulsory notification of addicts by doctors, and for limiting the authority of doctors (other than those at treatment centres) to prescribe or supply heroin and cocaine to addicts except where it is required for the relief of pain due to organic disease or following injury or operation. The details will be discussed with the medical profession. The Government have, however, decided not to provide initially for the detention of addicts at treatment centres, but would reconsider the position if experience showed that such powers were essential.