HC Deb 11 July 2002 vol 388 cc1221-2W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he intends to restrict the use of typical anti-psychotic drugs to a named patient basis. [67967]

Mr. Lammy

[holding answer 8 July 2002]: There are no plans to restrict the use of the traditional or typical anti-psychotic drugs to a named patient basis. The recently published guidance from the national institute for clinical excellence stated that oral atypical anti-psychotic drugs should be considered in the choice of first-line treatments for individuals with newly diagnosed schizophrenia and where there are unacceptable side effects with the typical anti-psychotics in people with a more long-established schizophrenic illness.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning the implementation of the NICE guidance on atypical anti-psychotic drugs. [67965]

Mr. Lammy

[holding answer 8 July 2002]: The Secretary of State has not received representations concerning the implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's guidance on atypical anti-psychotic drugs. The national health service has, since 1 January 2002, been required to provide appropriate funding for recommended treatments within three months of the publication of technology appraisal guidance.

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