Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 4 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 March 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment has been made by strategic health authorities of (a) the facilities available for drug maintenance and withdrawal, (b) the availability of licensed prescribers for heroin addicts and (c) the incidence of heroin use.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made by strategic health authorities of (a) the facilities available for drug maintenance and withdrawal, (b) the availability of licensed prescribers for heroin addicts and (c) the incidence of heroin use. [153880] Miss Melanie Johnson: No formal assessment has been made by strategic health authorities of the three issues that the hon. Member raises. However, I am able to inform her that the National Treatment Agency has confirmed that all areas of England now have access to facilities for drug maintenance and withdrawal and that there are currently 123 practitioners in England licensed by the Home Office to prescribe heroin. For other substitute prescribing medications, no licence is required.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 153880; 418 c1329W;418 c1331W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Drugs Health authorities Misuse Prescriptions Rehabilitation Heroin
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk