§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the representative body for alcohol and drug counselling regarding "Fit for the future". [8557]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department consulted widely when developing the draft national minimum standards for care homes for younger people; these standards include services for drug and alcohol misuse. In addition, representatives from Alcohol Concern and DrugScope were members of the formal reference group that advised the Department. The consultation period for these standards closed on 21 September and the Department is currently considering the 500 responses received.
"Fit for the Future" was a consultation document for older people's services, published in 1999.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what flexibility he will allow care homes who specialise in treating alcohol or drug addicts under "Fit for the future" proposals. [8556]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department has just completed the consultation on draft regulations for care homes and national minimum standards for care homes for younger adults, including those for drug and alcohol misuse. We will consider all responses fully before finalising our proposals.