§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans she has to compensate tranquilliser addiction patients; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what services are available within the NHS for treatment and counselling for those affected by tranquilliser addiction.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 5 May 1993]: We have no plans to compensate such patients. Health authorities, including family health services authorities, are responsible for ensuring that a range of services are available to meet the needs of people who wish to withdraw from tranquillisers. These are provided by both primary care teams and the secondary care sector, and include counselling, withdrawal therapy and the gradual replacement of tranquillisers by non-prescribing interventions.