Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What assessment he has made of the effects on the public of potentially addictive drugs containing morphine available without prescription in the past four years.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects on the public of potentially addictive drugs containing morphine available without prescription in the past four years. [40607] Mr. Malone: Medicines containing morphine available without prescription are effective remedies for common complaints such as diarrhoea and cough. The low dose and limited strength allowable without prescription, and the requirement for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist are considered to minimise the potential for addiction. The Medicines Control Agency monitors the safety of all authorised medicines and since October 1992 there has been only one report of a side effect with these products. We are not aware of any significant problem of people misusing these medicines.

Secondary information