Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Monday, 21 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 28 June 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many prisoners received (a) methadone, (b) subutex and (c) naltraxone for substance misuse in the last month for which figures are available. - (Holding answer 24 June 2004).

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners received (a) methadone, (b) subutex and (c) naltraxone for substance misuse in the last month for which figures are available. [180298] Paul Goggins: [holding answer 24 June 2004]: The Prison Service does not routinely collect this information. It estimates that naltrexone, an abstinence- based treatment, is currently available in around fifty establishments for men and one for women. Methadone maintenance is available in the majority of establishments for women but is not yet widely used in men's prisons. Subutex (buprenorphine) is included in the treatment protocols developed in conjunction with the National Health Service at eight establishments for men. Every establishment for women has the capacity to prescribe subutex but few do so at present because methadone is considered to meet most prisoners' needs. Subutex would, however, be made available to any woman already being prescribed it when received into custody.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 180298; 423 c29-30W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Drugs Medical treatments Prisoners Prisons Prescription drugs Misuse Methadone Naltrexone Buprenorphine
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk