Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 July 2000. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Thursday, 13 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent representations he has received regarding the use of Ritalin.

Answer: Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received regarding the use of Ritalin. [129960] Ms Stuart: We have received a number of representations, mainly from parents, expressing concern over the clinical evidence for using Ritalin. I am pleased that given this concern the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is appraising the drug as part of its 2000 work programme. It will issue authoritative advice, which should ensure that professionals treating children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders have an evidence-based approach to using Ritalin. NICE is scheduled to report its findings in October.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129960; 353 c682W;353 c680W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Drugs Prescription drugs National Institute for Clinical Excellence Methylphenidate
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk