§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is the policy of his Department that treatment for drug addiction should no longer use soluble tablets which cost the National Health Service 11p per 100 milligrammes, but only dispense freeze-dried ampoules costing £3 per 100 milligrammes; if he is seeking to limit the usual practice of allowing doctors freedom of choice in their treatment; how many companies supply the ampoules; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIt is availability, not policy, which has limited doctors' choice. The company which made soluble diamorphine hydrochloride tablets—heroin—to which I assume the hon. Member refers, discontinued production in 1978. There has been increasing awareness by manufacturers, doctors and pharmacists that it is difficult, if not impossible, to produce a sterile solution for injection from the tablets. Ampoules of freeze-dried heroin eliminate the risk of infection from a contaminated solution and are available from one manufacturer in the United Kingdom, the cost depending on strength. I am sending the hon. Member the health notice HN(79)9 issued to help prescribers and pharmacists while the supply of tablets was running down.