§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals there may be to monitor counselling given by pharmacists to patients on long-term and medium-term prescriptions for benzodiazepine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have no such proposals. This is a matter for the pharmaceutical profession.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research is conducted into the effects on patients receiving medium or long-term prescriptions for benezodiazepine when sudden reduction or stoppage is made by general practitioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are not aware of any such current research. It is now generally accepted that a sudden reduction or stoppage in taking benzodiazepines can have an undesirable effect on patients. The British National Formulary, which is supplied free of charge by the Department to all prescribing doctors, carries advice on benzodiazepine withdrawal.