§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spends each year on counteracting(a) alcohol abuse, and (b) drugs abuse in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe prime responsibility for providing advice and treatment facilities to deal with alcohol and drug abuse rests with individual health and local authorities. The Health Promotion Authority for Wales also has a major health educational role.
On drug misuse in the current financial year my Department has earmarked nearly £1.5 million for health authorities and voluntary sector projects.
On alcohol misuse, in addition to funds allocated to health authorities and the Health Promotion Authority for Wales, my Department has also funded the activities of Alcohol Concern Wales (ACW). In 1988–89, ACW received £48,000 and a bid for increased funding for 1989–90 is currently being finalised.
Funds are also provided to finance specific publicity campaigns to warn of the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.