§ 10. Mr. Gristasked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals his Department has for lessening alcohol abuse in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonThe Government's policy on measures to tackle alcohol abuse is outlined in the discussion document "Drinking Sensibly". The efforts of health educators, hostels and support groups such as local councils on alcoholism have been aided by the Welsh Office for several years. Recent developments include the establishment of Alcohol Concern Wales and the publication by the Health Education Advisory Committee for Wales of a report "Dealing with Alcohol Problems in Wales". I expect to receive the committee's final strategy shortly and I shall then consider what further action needs to be taken.
§ Mr. GristDoes my hon. Friend agree that although, quite rightly, a great deal of attention has been directed to drug abuse and the growing threat that it poses, nevertheless the toll that alcohol takes in terms of broken families, misery, violence, murder and general social disorder is quite disgraceful and is often overlooked?
§ Mr. RobinsonWe have had a programme to tackle alcohol misuse over a number of years. The problems of drug misuse are very different, in the sense that we have to take action to prevent the stuff from coming into the country and to prevent the situation from getting worse. That, of course, is expensive.