HC Deb 04 August 1975 vol 897 cc40-1W
Mr. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the area health authority refused to support CURE, the drug treatment centre based on care, understanding, rehabilitation and education by grant; and what efforts were made to keep the centre open after representations made by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East.

Dr. Owen

Last November, CURE sought financial support from the Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Area Health Authority for the medical aspects of the work in its centre for drug addicts in the Notting Hill area, the social service aspects being already adequately funded. An independent evaluation of the treatment aspect of CURE's work was undertaken for the area health authority by two persons with experience of drug addiction and acceptable to CURE, and the Department undertook to fund CURE till it was completed. In the light of the report, the area health authority decided not to support CURE. The Department continued its financial support of CURE until the end of April while alternative treatment arrangements were made for CURE'S clients.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements were made by the National Health Service to continue treatment for the patients of CURE when it had to close; how many patients were placed under the care of other centres; and how many were either refused further treatment or were not offered it.

Dr. Owen

Officers of the Department arranged that there would be sufficient places at drug clinics in Central London for CURE clients. This information was given to the area health authority but the allocation of clients to clinics was arranged by the staff of CURE. Of their 42 regular clients, only 29 were identified as being on a narcotic drug maintenance programme.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now restore assistance to the CURE centre to allow it to continue to treat those who abuse drugs.

Dr. Owen

Alternative National Health Service treatment arrangements exist at many drug clinics and hospital units in Central London or elsewhere, so that I could not justify financial support for CURE to treat drug addicts.