§ 21. Mr. Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many drug advisory councils have been established; and if he will make a statement on their operation.
§ Mr. Whitney"Drug Misuse: Prevalence and Service Provision", published by the Department in June, reported that eight regional health authorities and about 150 district health authorities had already set up multi-agency drug advisory committees. Regional health authorities have been advised that there should by the end of 1985 be a drug advisory committee for every health district. Drug advisory committees should monitor the extent of problem drug taking, assess the effectiveness of existing services and foster their improvement. Health authorities share the Government's concern that urgent action should be taken in this field.