§ 9. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate a comparative study of the success ratios of different methods of treatment for alcoholism; and if he will publish his findings.
§ Sir K. JosephThe Addiction Research Unit of the Institute of Psychiatry has been conducting research into the success ratios of different methods of treatment of alcoholism and its findings are expected to be published in due course.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, whatever the method of treatment used, after-care of the patient is particularly important? Is he satisfied that sufficient help goes to organisations which are able to offer this sort of service?
§ Sir K. JosephSufficient, no—but much increased, yes. The Government set aside £2 million in the autumn of 1970, out of which a great increase is now being provided in the number of treatment beds within the National Health Service and from which there are extra grants for advice centres and hostels supplied by voluntary bodies. I pay tribute to those voluntary bodies which take on this work, because it is important to give help to those who need it as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. William HamiltonDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that public money is being spent on research into the problem of alcoholism? Can he say whether the brewers have indicated their willingness to contribute to research into this subject?
§ Sir K. JosephThe £2 million to which I have referred relates to increased services to alcoholics within the National Health Service and the voluntary sector. The Government also provide from public funds money for research, and there is a fund run by a sub-unit of the Medical Research Council which receives some support from the brewing industry. I cannot say how much support is given since that is not my responsibility.