Parliament Workbench
Data: Official Report to 12 Nov 2026

Official Report · Committee

Current Petitions

Methadone Prescriptions (PE789)

Wednesday 26 October 2005 Public Petitions Committee Petitions 5 contributions · 2 speakers

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5 contributions
Michael McMahon Lab The Convener · Hamilton North and Bellshill
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Petition PE789 by Eric Brown calls on the Scottish Parliament to take a view regarding the need for regulation to ensure that methadone prescriptions are taken by the patient while supervised by a suitably qualified medical practitioner. At its meeting on 27 April 2005, the committee agreed to write to the petitioner and the Scottish Executive. Responses have been received from each of them and circulated to members. Having considered them, what do members think?

Sandra White SNP Glasgow
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I have written to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain because I was quite concerned by some of its comments. During the recess, I also visited various chemists at their request to find out how they give out methadone. I have been very impressed by Greater Glasgow NHS Board's initiatives. It would be a good idea to write to that board and to Lothian NHS Board. Feedback that I have received from the Lothians and Glasgow suggests that there are big differences in how methadone is prescribed. In the Glasgow chemists, I was told that if someone did not turn up for their methadone prescription within a couple of day they would be contacted. The chemists are always in touch with people.In the light of the recent tragedy in the Leith area of Edinburgh, it is important to consider what happens in the Lothian NHS Board and Greater Glasgow NHS Board areas and to find out exactly what the differences are. We should keep the petition open.

Michael McMahon Lab The Convener · Hamilton North and Bellshill
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We can write to Lothian NHS Board and Greater Glasgow NHS Board to get their views on the matter.

Michael McMahon Lab The Convener · Hamilton North and Bellshill
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Are members happy with that suggestion?Members indicated agreement.

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