§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken by her Department to ensure that a strategic approach is secured across Government558W Departments on issues related to HIV and AIDS; and what plans she has to introduce a formal national strategy in respect of HIV and AIDS.
§ Mr. Sackville"The Health of the Nation" White Paper sets out the strategic direction for HIV/AIDS and sexual health to be followed by all relevant Departments. This is supported by a Government strategy paper issued in 1993 which reiterated the continuing commitment to HIV/AIDS in the light of recent research into prevalance of HIV infection in this country.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been undertaken by her Department of the efficacy of needle exchange schemes in reducing levels of transmission of the HIV virus among intravenous drug users; and what plans she has to introduce such a scheme on a nationwide basis.
§ Mr. BowisMonitoring and evaluation of needle and syringe exchange schemes since 1987 has shown that they contribute towards the adoption of safer injecting behaviour among those who continue to inject drugs. It is too soon to judge their success in reducing the levels of transmission of HIV among intravenous drug users.
Specific funding has been given to health authorities towards the costs of expanding the range of drug misuse services available, including the development of needle exchange schemes. This funding totals £25–238 million in 1994–95 of which £2.778 million is available for the expansion of needle exchange schemes within pharmacies.
It is the responsibility of health and local authorities to assess the needs of drug misusers for services, including needle exchange schemes, and to contract for services to meet those needs.