§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will issue the Government circular on community services for alcoholics in Scotland in draft form to allow appropriate persons and organisations to submit their comments;
(2) when he intends to issue the Government circular on community services for alcoholics in Scotland;
(3) if he will set up an Advisory Committee on Alcoholism similar to that established for England and Wales;
(4) whether he will ensure the review of the procedures used in the Scottish legal system for dealing with drunkenness offenders.
§ Mr. William RossA circular of guidance outlining the respective roles of health boards, local authorities and voluntary bodies—all of which have an important part to play in the provision of community facilities for alcoholics—is under consideration. There would be prior consultations with interested bodies. One aspect is the provision of alternative facilities for the habitual drunken offender. The present legal procedures can be adapted to take account of the availability of such facilities; and I do not consider a review of these processes necessary. I am in close touch with the Scottish Council on Alcoholism but I have no immediate plans to form a further advisory body.