HC Deb 03 August 1971 vol 822 c1321
18. Mr. Fowler

Mr. Alison

We hope to arrange for two or three experimental centres to be set up as part of the hospital service. Hospital boards have been invited to put forward proposals. So far, four proposals have been received and are being considered by my Department.

Mr. Fowler

While I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, I want to stress the urgency of this situation. Does he not agree that such treatment units could make a considerable contribution in tackling the problem of drunken offenders? Would it not as well take the burden off the prisons which at the moment have to deal with them?

Mr. Alison

I take the point, but we are bound to hasten slowly in this because the establishment of a de-toxification centre requires considerable planning locally, including the provision of hostels and other associated services.