HC Deb 25 July 1991 vol 195 cc902-3W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions were dispensed by community pharmacists for each benzodiazepine in 1990.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The information requested is as follows:

Benzodiazepines—England 1990
Drug group Prescriptions £ millions
Temazepam 5.4
Nitrazepam 3.1
Diazepam 2.7

Drug group Prescriptions £ millions
Triazolam 1.4
Lorazepam 1.2
Chlordiazepoxide 0.5
Oxazepam 0.3
Lormetazepam 0.1
Clonazepam 0.1
Clobazam 0.05
Total 14.85

These figures are based on the number of prescriptions in England which were dispensed by community pharmacists.

Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will bring forward proposals to ban the prescription of lorazepam;

(2) what evidence he has on the link between use of the tranquilliser lorazepam and the onset of symptoms of paranoia.

Mr. Dorrell

The current advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines is that lorazepam and other licensed benzodiazepine tranquillisers have a place in the short-term treatment of anxiety if used with appropriate care. Behavioural disorders are known to occur rarely with lorazepam and difficulty in withdrawal is also well documented. Prescribers have been made aware of the correct use of these compounds and the problems which can occur if not used in accordance with the CSM's recommendations. There are no plans to ban lorazepam.

Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will state, in relating to the newly opened National Addiction Centre,(a) how many staff will work on problems in relation to benzodiazepines, (b) what work they will carry out on benzodiazepine drugs, (c) how many people addicted to benzodiazepine will be treated at the centre and (d) what finance is being provided for treatment of benzodiazepine addiction and research into benzodiazepines at the centre.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

This information is not collected centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. T. Owen, chairman of Bethlem and Maudsley special health authority, for details.

Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to tighten the control on the administration of benzodiazephines and other tranquillisers to children in care in the near future.

Mr. Dorrell

Benzodiazepines and other tranquillisers can be supplied only on a doctor's prescription and used in accordance with the doctor's instructions. Other than in the case of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 medical treatment can be given only with the consent of the patient. If a child is not of sufficient understanding to give consent, the consent of the child's parent, or local authority if the child is in care, is required, except in an emergency where immediate treatment is, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, needed to protect the child's life or health.

Advice on this is confirmed in volume 4 in the Children Act guidance and regulations series published today.