§ 1. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what additional funds he is now making available to deal with the disease of alcoholism as the result of the increased incidence of the disease.
§ The Secretary of State for Social Services (Sir Keith Joseph)As I announced in the House on 11th November, 1970, I am setting aside an extra £2 million over the next four years to improve facilities and counsel for alcoholics. Consultations are in progress with hospital boards, local authority associations and voluntary agencies to see how this money can best be used.—[Vol. 806, c. 391–8.]
§ Mr. EadieWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he does not agree that it is wrong for us to be stilling our voices over a problem which is increasing rather than diminishing? Is it not strange that we should be continually advertising a product and spending so much money on it when it is causing so much human misery?
§ Sir K. JosephA large majority of people are able to use this product in moderation with every benefit to themselves.