§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to tighten the scheduling of benzodiazepines; and if he will make a statement on their scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
§ Mr. Mellor[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1985, c. 259]: Benzodiazepines are not at present controlled under 220W the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, last year 33 benzodiazepines were scheduled under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, which the Government intend to ratify.
Detailed consultations are taking place with trade and professional organisations on the changes that will be necessary to our domestic legislation before we can ratify, including the degree of control to be imposed on the benzodiazepines.We are also consulting the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. My right hon. and learned Friend expects to lay before the House later this year a draft order to bring these drugs within the scope of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.