§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what sum of money he calculates would be adequate to provide a high-standard service in each county in Wales to tackle the problem of alcohol abuse; and on what he has based his calculation.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt is for local and health authorities to determine and respond to local needs for alcohol misuse services as part of their normal development of services. Central Government support is being made available to encourage local initiatives, but should not be regarded as a substitute for local funding. A total of £150,000 has been earmarked this year to combat alcohol misuse in Wales.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the criteria on which organisations in Wales are being selected to receive part of the £150,000 funding for projects to help combat alcohol misuse announced by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at his Department on Drinkwise Day in June.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettGuidance for organisations wishing to bid for a share of these resources is being issued this week and I shall be placing a copy in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken in respect of research into alcohol misuse and the social effects of alcohol misuse in Wales; and how much money he has made available for this purpose in the current financial year.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given earlier today by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department.