HC Deb 20 March 1967 vol 743 cc1040-1
6. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Health if he will establish in the North-East of England a clinic for drug addicts, following recent disclosures on the spread of drug trafficking in the region.

Mr. K. Robinson

Facilities for the treatment of drug addiction are already available.

Mr. Elliott

Nevertheless, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is a distressing number of cases of young people becoming drug addicts in the densely populated north-east of England? Will he see, as a matter of social necessity, that a clinic is available to deal with these young people before they become hopeless hospital cases?

Mr. Robinson

I assure the hon. Gentleman that treatment is available at hospitals in Newcastle and five other places in the region. My information is that the demand for such treatment is very small.

Mr. Braine

When the right hon. Gentleman talks of "facilities" he is talking about treatment centres as recommended by the Brain Committee over a year ago? Is he aware that my hon. Friend is entitled to a clear answer about whether a treatment centre has been set up in accordance with the Brain Committee's recommendations?

Mr. Robinson

Treatment has been available for a considerable time. As I say, if any increase is needed in the region, because of some change in social circumstances, then of course it will be for the regional hospital board to expand these facilities to meet the demand, but my information is that the demand is not great.