Heroin (Hansard, 31 January 1994)

§ Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the annual cost to the NHS per prescription, of providing prescribed heroin to a patient.

§ Dr. Mawhinney
The average net ingredient cost per prescription item for all diamorphine products dispensed in the family health services authorities in England in 1992 was £27.16.
Prescriptions for diamorphine products are issued both to drug addicts and to patients with terminal illness as part of their symptom control.

§ Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to reduce the numbers of deaths resulting from variation in purity of heroin.

§ Mr. Bowis
On 6 January we launched a £2.6 million media campaign on the dangers of drug and solvent misuse. The campaign is supported by leaflets for young people, parents, professionals and others giving the facts and advice on drug misuse. This includes the fact that the strength of drugs made illegally or without medical supervision is unpredictable and dangerous.