§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of beds in the National Health Service 260W which are used in the treatment of alcoholics; what is the total estimated cost of treatment for alcoholism to the National Health Service; and if he will introduce legislation to levy on the brewing industry a contribution towards the National Health Service.
§ Sir K. JosephMost mental illness hospitals, and psychiatric units in general hospitals, can treat alcoholics. 14 of them have special units for such patients, with 298 beds. Information about the total cost of treating alcoholism is not available. Alcohol is already heavily taxed.