§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will reconsider his decision regarding the availability on the National Health Service of Frisiam, Sulphadine and Rivolnil medication for treating phantom pains for amputees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI assume the hon. Member is referring to frisium, solpadeine and rivotril. Rivotril is already prescribable under the National Health Service. The advisory committee on NHS drugs will be free to reconsider at any time the need for the other drugs mentioned, either on its own initiative or in response to representations from doctors or the pharmaceutical industry. I understand that, as a result of such representations, the advisory committee is likely to look at frisium at an early stage. We have not received any formal representations in respect of solpadeine.