§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what policy considerations underlie the authorisation of doctors to prescribe methadone; how they receive a licence to do so; and how doctors prescribing methadone are monitored.
§ Mr. BowisMethadone is prescribed to opiate users for a range of treatments including detoxification, stabilisation and longer-term treatments. It can be a useful tool in helping to change the behaviour of some drug users towards abstinence and intermediate goals, such as reduction in injecting and the sharing of injecting equipment. "Drug Misuse and Dependence Guidelines on Clinical Management", issued by the Department of Health, includes advice to doctors on the prescribing of methadone. Copies of the guidelines are available in the Library.
Any doctor may prescribe methadone, for which no licence is required. Monitoring of the prescribing of all controlled drugs, including methadone, is carried out by the Home Office drugs inspectorate and is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.