HC Deb 17 July 1985 vol 83 cc307-8
10. Mr. Hugh Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many designated places under section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 have been established; whether any current applications are being considered; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

One, at Albyn House, Aberdeen. Applications for grant are currently being considered for designated places in Dundee, Paisley and Peterhead.

Mr. Brown

Where does the Minister place most of the blame for the delay and poor response to an idea that has been accepted by everyone in the field as being urgent, necessary and useful?

Mr. MacKay

I shall resist the temptation to place blame. As the hon. Member knows, I have encouraged the concept of these places. The Government's powers are restricted to helping voluntary organisations, and local authorities are expected to play their part in assisting schemes of direct local benefit. I hope that some of the schemes which are currently coming to us will prove to be ones we can support, and which local authorities can also play their part in supporting.

Dr. Godman

Designated places, while most welcome, tackle only a small area of alcohol abuse— public drunkenness. When will the Government consider giving a part of the massive revenues which accrue from the sale of alcohol to educational programmes, particularly those for the young?

Mr. MacKay

It is important that we convince people that drinking sensibly and in moderation is perfectly satisfactory, and that alcohol abuse can be dangerous. The Scottish health education group carries out advertising campaigns and distributes packs of various kinds to help on the issue. We also encourage schools, as part and parcel of their general health education scheme, to draw attention to that programme.

Mr. McQuarrie

My hon. Friend mentioned Peterhead. He will be aware that there is an application from Whitehill House in Peterhead which is run by a voluntary organisation. The application was made in May this year. When is my hon. Friend likely to come to a decision on that application? I hope that the answer will be favourable.

Mr. MacKay

We are looking carefully at the applications from Peterhead, Dundee and Paisley. I cannot say when I shall reach a conclusion. We shall try to do it as quickly as possible.

Mr. Craigen

The Minister said that he had three proposals before him. How many applications have there been in total from voluntary bodies and local authorities for detoxification centres? Will the Minister have another look at the three-year funding arrangements?

Mr. MacKay

I cannot answer in detail the first part of the hon. Member's question. I have no evidence that the funding arrangements are stopping the programmes from coming forward. If there were evidence that that was the case I would look at that as I have looked recently at joint funding between health boards and local authorities.

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