§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has for expanding community services for alcoholics.
§ Sir K. JosephI have just issued a circular calling, in parallel with the current development of hospital facilities for alcoholics, for an expansion of com-32W munity services to meet the needs of alcoholics, including those offenders studied in the Home Office Report on the Habitual Drunken Offender. Both local authorities and voluntary bodies have a part to play. For a transitional period while these services develop I shall be making revenue grants and capital grants of up to £2,500 a place to voluntary bodies providing hostels for alcoholics: the cost of this scheme is expected to rise to £2 million per year in 1975–76. Grants will also be available to speed the development of other services such as information centres or advisory services for homeless alcoholics. Alcoholism is a major health and social problem and I intend that these proposals should give impetus to the development of the full range of services that are needed.
A copy of the circular has been placed in the Library.