HC Deb 21 March 1996 vol 274 cc316-7W
Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died from thrombo-embolic complications arising form the use of the contraceptive pill in each of the last five years. [21013]

Mr. Horam

Mortality statistics are based on the cause of death as stated by the doctor or coroner. It may not be possible for the certifier to link definitely the thrombo-embolic episode to oral contraceptives and consequently oral contraceptives may not be mentioned on the certificate.

The table shows the number of deaths in England and Wales from thrombo-embolic complications, ICD1 E932.2, stated to be associated with the use of the contraceptive pill in each of the last five years.

Year Number of deaths
1990 7
1991 7
1992 2
1993 6
1994 3
1 International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what external legal advice he sought on the implications of issuing the "Dear Doctor" letter of 18 October 1995 prior to the issuing of that letter. [20500]

Mr. Malone

None.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to(a) withdraw or (b) amend the advice to prescribers issued in the "Dear Doctor" letter of 18 October 1995. [20501]

Mr. Malone

None.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those members of the Spritzer team of investigators for the trans-national study of oral contraceptives employed to advise(a) the Medicines Control Agency and (b) the Licensing Authority since 18 October 1995 on safety concerns relating to third generation oral contraceptives; on what date they were recruited; what are their emoluments and if they were required to sign the Official Secrets Act. [20502]

Mr. Malone

None were employed.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the Licensing Authority has made of the dangers of third generation oral contraceptives; and if the authority proposes to license these products. [20511]

Mr. Malone

I refer the hon. Member to the statement that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health made in the House on 23 October 1995,Official Report, columns 701–11. A number of third generation oral contraceptives are currently licensed; applications for subsequent licences will be considered under normal procedures.

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