§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has discussed the question of benzodiazepine addiction with his counterparts with other European Community member states.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have had no such discussions.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to see a reduction in the number estimated to be addicted to benzodiazepines.
§ Mr. FreemanThere are no precise figures to show the level of benzodiazepine dependence, although recent years have seen a reduction in the number of prescriptions dispensed for these drugs. A number of measures have been taken to tackle the problem of benzodiazepine dependence, including the issue of advice to doctors on the careful use of these drugs, the promotion of alternatives to their use, and the development of services to help those dependent on them.
§ Dr. OwenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research is being undertaken into the best methods of coping with the side-effects and withdrawal symptoms caused by benzodiazepines.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 16 March 1989]: The main agency through which the Government support medical and related biological research is the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science. I understand that the MRC is supporting a team at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, which is examining the effects of benzodiazepines on mental function, and exploring ways of helping patients to discontinue this medication.