§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to enable him to fund local groups formed to combat tranquilliser addiction.
85W
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has powers under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 to make grants to voluntary organisations. These grants are usually made to national organisations for their headquarters costs rather than to local bodies.
Health authorities also have powers to make grants to voluntary organisations. They are responsible for the development of services locally, which may include funding voluntary organisations. We have allocated £9.5 million in the current financial year to regional health authorities specifically for the development of services for those experiencing problems with drugs, including prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers.