§ 48. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of registered drug addicts in Scotland; and what plans he has for their treatment and cure.
§ Mr. MillanThere is at present no system of registration of drug addicts. Facilities for the treatment of drug addicts are available at a number of hospitals throughout Scotland, and my right hon. Friend is at present reviewing the adequacy of these facilities in consultation with regional hospital boards.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Under-Secretary realise that this addiction is spreading from the South to Scotland and that it must be stopped? Will he take energetic steps to stop it?
§ Mr. MillanWe do not have registration, but the figures which we have of patients admitted to hospital over the last two or three years do not show any rising trend. Naturally, this is something which must be watched very carefully. My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that legislation on this matter is being introduced later this week.
§ Mr. G. CampbellIn the absence of registration in Scotland, will the hon. Gentleman take some action to get more information on this important subject in case there is a spread?
§ Mr. MillanThe hon. Gentleman cannot have heard me say that we are introducing legislation on the matter later this week.