Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Macmillan Cancer Support over the potential withdrawal of the Fentanyl citrate drug for dying cancer patients who need urgent pain relief.

There are no plans to restrict the prescribing of immediate release fentanyl for cancer patients. As such, no specific discussions have taken place with Macmillan Cancer Support about its potential withdrawal. NHS England has drafted and is currently consulting on commissioning guidance, which may result in a decision by clinical commissioning groups to recommend their prescribers to restrict the prescription of fentanyl in a primary care setting on the National Health Service for patients where other appropriate medicines are available. The consultation closes on 21 October and NHS England continues to seek views on its proposals. No final decisions have yet been made.