§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will extend the present licensing system to include all controlled drugs so that any possible irresponsible over-prescribing may be stopped and supply restricted to hospitals or special clinics.
§ Mr. MellorI have been asked to reply.
In its report "Treatment and Rehabilitation" published last December, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommended that the licensing requirements, which at present apply to the prescription of heroin and cocaine to addicts, should be extended initially to include dipipanone and subsequently to all other opioids. We are considering these recommendations in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who has initiated discussions with the medical profession about the proposed extension of the licensing system and the need for guidelines on good medical practice in the treatment of drug misuse.