Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 January 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many young people (a) under 11 and (b) over 11 have been prescribed Ritalin by a health authority in each of the last five years. - Inc table.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many young people (a) under 11 and (b) over 11 have been prescribed Ritalin by a health authority in each of the last five years. [145815] Dr. Ladyman: Information is not available in the form requested. However the figures in the table following show the total number of prescription items of methylphenidate hydrochloride dispensed in the community in England in each of the last five years. The majority of prescription items of methylphenidate hydrochloride are for the brand Ritalin. Number of prescription items of methylphenidate hydrochloride dispensed in the community in England--1998 to 2002 Thousand _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Total 1998 126.6 1999 158.0 2000 186.2 2001 208.5 2002 254.0 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Source: Prescription Cost Analysis data from the Prescription Pricing Authority In 2002, around 91 per cent. of the 254,000 prescription items were dispensed in the community to children (children under 16 and young people aged 16 to 18 in full time education). An estimated 1 per cent. of the items were dispensed to people aged 60 and over with the remainder being dispensed to other adults. These proportions have been similar in recent years.

Secondary information