§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what quantity of benzodiazepines was prescribed via community pharmacists in England and Wales in each of the last four years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [9886]
§ Mr. MaloneThe available information for England is shown in the table. Information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
Number of prescription items dispensed for benzodiazepines: 1991 to 1994 England Year Prescription Items (millions) 1991 15.7 1992 14.8 1993 14.3 1994 13.8 The data are from the "Prescription Costs Analysis" (PCA), are for England only and are based on the number of prescription items dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors.