HC Deb 28 July 1983 vol 46 cc599-600W
Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those organisations providing services for drug addicts and abusers in receipt of grants from his Department; and what was the amount of the grant in the last year in each case.

Mr. John MacKay

The provision of services for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug misusers is primarily a matter for health boards and local authorities. However, approval was given in September 1982 under the urban aid programme for financial support to the St. Enoch centre in Glasgow for the rehabilitation of drug misusers amounting to 75 per cent. of capital expenditure of £27,751 and running costs of £53,733 annually for three years.

Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grants have been made in the last year to health boards, local authorities and voluntary bodies as part of the extra money being deployed to combat the drugs problem; what additional resources have resulted; and if he will make a statement on progress.

Mr. John MacKay

None so far; but, as I have stated in reply to a separate question by the hon. Member, the Scottish Home and Health Department will very shortly be asking for applications for the payment of such grants.

Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which bodies he has consulted on the report of the advisory council on the misuse of drugs on rehabilitation and treatment; what recommendations have been accepted as relevant to Scotland and which rejected; what resources, original and additional, have been deployed in physical, cash and personnel terms as a consequence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The Scottish Home and Health Department will very shortly be issuing a circular to statutory and voluntary organisations with an interest in drug misuse asking them for comments on the recommendations in the report on the treatment and rehabilitation of drug misusers, and inviting applications in respect of local initiatives for improving services provided for drug misusers which could be helped by a pump-priming grant from the Government. Funds will be available over a period of three years, subject to certain conditions; but at this stage it is not possible to estimate what these will amount to until we have some idea of the number of worthwhile applications received in response to our circular and their probable cost.