DEATHS FROM METHADONE ABUSE

That this House deeply regrets the loss of four young lives to methadone abuse in recent months in Gateshead; notes that this has occurred thanks to a loophole identified by the police which allows registered users who don't take the drug at the point of prescription to sell on some of their prescribed dose; supports calls by senior police officers for methadone to be dispensed and taken under supervision in the pharmacy; and urges the Health Minister to take action as a matter of urgency.