§ 42. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult with the appropriate authorities with a view to providing adequate centres for the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossRegional hospital boards have been asked to designate hospitals in their regions as centres for the treatment of alcoholism as recommended in the Report of the Scottish Health Services Council on the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Alcoholics which was published last December. The Report has also been brought to the notice of local health authorities in view of the recommendations in it about hostels for rehabilitation purposes.
§ Mr. DempseyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the need for complete co-operation between all sections of the National Health Service in this respect, including the executive councils, in order to ensure that something effective and practical is done as a result of this excellent approach?
§ Mr. RossYes, Sir. I can tell my hon. Friend that we have already received proposals from the eastern, southeastern and northern regions. We have not so far received them from the western and north-eastern regions, but they will be coming. I accept my hon. Friend's stressing of the need for co-operation.