asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the guidance on safety management of controlled drugs issued in June, they will clarify the procedures for the prescription of drugs by private medical and dental practitioners to (a) specific patients, and (b) practice store areas for use when appropriate.[HL7314]

FP10PCD prescription forms are for use by all prescribers (including medical and dental practitioners) issuing private prescriptions to patients for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs, where these drugs are to be dispensed by a community pharmacist. This has been a statutory requirement since 7 July 2006. Detailed guidance is available on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/controlleddrugs

Procedures for ordering and using controlled drugs from stores or stock remain unchanged. They are governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and subsequent amendments. The department and the Home Office have consulted on the principle of introducing a standard form (for use in the public and private sectors) for any requisition for controlled drugs for stores or stock. Development work on this initiative is under way.