§ Mr. Rhodri MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for issuing guidelines to general practitioners in relation to prescribing lipid limiting drugs for those with above average cholesterol levels. [35773]
§ Mr. MilburnGuidance was issued in August 1997 in relation to prescribing cholesterol lowering drugs. A statement produced by the Department's Standing50W Medical Advisory Committee and an accompanying table were sent to health authorities, National Health Service trusts and general practitioners under cover of an executive letter. Further copies are available on request from the NHS responseline.
An effective health care bulletin, entitled 'Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease: Screening and Treatment', was produced by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and issued in February. This gives further advice on prescribing lipid-lowering drugs.
Copies of each document will be placed in the Library.