HC Deb 26 April 1995 vol 258 cc552-3W
Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths occurred from temazepam abuse in each age group in each of the last five years. [19824]

Mr. Bowis

This information is shown in the table.

The number of deaths certified as due to abuse of Temazepam 1(ICDs 304.1, 304.7, 304.8, 305.4, 305.9), alone or with other drugs, by five year age groups for the years 1989–1993 in England and Wales.

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
15–19 1 1 1 2 0
20–24 2 0 2 2 3
25–29 0 3 1 5 4
30–34 2 1 2 0 3
35–39 1 1 5 1 3
40–44 0 1 0 1 1
45–49 0 2 2 1 0
50–54 0 1 0 1 1
55–59 0 1 0 0 0
60–64 1 1 0 0 0
65–69 0 0 0 1 0
70–74 0 0 0 1 0
1 International Classification of Disease 9th revision.

Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the further control of temazepam capsules; and what indications there are for the use of temazepam capsules instead of temazepam pills. [19825]

Mr. Bowis

The abuse of temazepam capsules by drug misusers is of particular concern and we are keeping the position under review.

My Department, in consultation with other Departments, is considering the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to tighten the control of the drug temazepam.

The licensed indications for temazepam capsules and tablets are the same, and include short-term use as a hypnotic and premedication before minor surgery.