§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the problems caused by the diversion of drugs from illicit supplies within the United Kingdom through irresponsible prescribing, forgery of prescriptions and thefts from pharmacies.
§ Mr. RaisonIrresponsibe prescribing of controlled drugs can usually be dealt with by drugs branch inspectors giving suitable advice to the doctors concerned, but my right hon. Friend has not hesitated to use, when necessary, the powers given in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. As regards criminal offences such as forgery of prescriptions and thefts from pharmacies, the House will know from the tragic consequences in a recent case how seriously the police take their responsibility, in co-operation with the pharmaceutical profession, for enforcing the law in this field.