HC Deb 09 November 1984 vol 67 cc52-3W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grants were made to self-help groups by his Department in the years 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 to deal with withdrawal problems for those who had been prescribed drugs in the benzodiazepine group in the years 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The only grant made to a voluntary organisation providing services specifically for problem benziodiazepine users in the years mentioned by the hon. Member was one of £10,183 to Tranx, Harrow for 1983–84.

However, a number of voluntary organisations have received grants for services to problem drug-takers during this period and some of these include benzodiazepine users among their clientele. Grants to all voluntary organisations in the drugs field totalled £285,690 in 1980–81, £347,360, in 1981–82, £433,174 in 1982–83 and £1,040,091 in 1983–84.