HC Deb 15 July 1974 vol 877 c48W
Mr. Barry Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the services for coping with problems of alcoholism in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is satisfied with the resources presently available to help drunken offenders;

(2) whether he will examine alternatives to the policy of processing drunken offenders through the court system;

(3) when he expects to publish a circular on "Services for Alcoholics".

Mr. William Ross

There is room for improvement in the level of services for alcoholics—including residential accommodation which would assist the problem of drunken offenders. There is, however, increasing public awareness of the growing problems of alcoholism. While more preventive measures need to be taken, there is also a need for facilities in the community to provide support for alcoholics endeavouring to rehabilitate themselves. I am considering the issue of guidance outlining the respective rôles of health boards, local authorities and voluntary bodies—all of which have an important part to play—and suggesting directions in which further progress might be made.

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