§ 41. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the provision of facilities with the National Health Service for the treatment of alcoholism.
§ Sir George Young"Care in Action"* has emphasised the Government's view that health authorities should have adequate flexibility to take proper account of local needs and circumstances and should use their resources as effectively and economically as possible to meet the range of service requirements placed upon them. More specific advice was contained in the report by the Advisory Committee on Alcoholism "The Pattern and Range of Services for Problem Drinkers", 1978. This identified a range of services for this group, drew attention to the need for fuller recognition of the existing uptake of diverse resources by problem drinkers and the scope for redeploying these resources more effectively by improved co-ordination of the statutory authorities and voluntary agencies. Detailed information is not centrally available but this report appears to be having a widespread influence.
* Care in Action: A Handbook of Policies and Priorities for the Health and Personal Social Services in England: 1981: Her Majesty's Stationery Office £3.30 net.