§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy, following his discontinuation of funding for the experimental detoxification centres in Leeds, Birmingham and Aberdeen, on establishing similar detoxification centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe Government remain committed to the policy of diverting drunkenness offenders from the criminal justice system. The establishment of detoxification centres or overnight shelters at Government expense has not been found a cost-effective means to this end; but we do not exclude the possibility of approving under section 34 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972 treatment centres funded from other sources.