§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the current facilities for the treatment of alcoholics who are convicted of criminal offences but who are not in custody; what are his proposals for the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIt is the responsibility of health and local authorities to decide, in the light of their resources and priorities, the services which are needed to help alcoholics. My right hon. Friend is including, in his consideration of the report of the advisory committee on alcoholism on the pattern and range of services for problem drinkers, consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the recommendations relating to links with the prison, probation and after-care services.