§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are currently in operation for cross-departmental co-ordination of Government policy in relation to alcohol misuse and its consequences; and what plans there are for future co-ordination.
§ Mr. BowisThe Government remain committed to taking effective action to deal with the consequences of alcohol misuse both for the individual and the community.
Action is focused on the promotion of sensible drinking habits including meeting the targets set out in "The Health of the Nation". I therefore welcome my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's decision to transfer responsibility for the co-ordination of Government policy on alcohol misuse to EDH(H), the cabinet sub-committee responsible for "The Health of the Nation" and to expand its membership accordingly.