§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the co-ordination of alcohol services and other functions carried out by regional alcohol co-ordination following the intended demise of the regional health authorities; and what is to become of the funds made available to regional health authority's following circular HN(89)4 to provide for regional alcohol co-ordinators.
§ Mr. BowisThe report, "Public Health in England: Roles and Responsibilities of the Department of Health and the NHS", copies of which are available in the Library, makes it clear that health authorities will be expected to continue alcohol-related work. There will be a gradual process of devolution of specialist advice from regional offices as the recommendations of the functions and manpower review take effect and it will be for health authorities to decide the form this should take. Regional offices will be responsible for ensuring that robust and appropriate arrangements are in place. Finance for alcohol co-ordination work was made available to regional health authorities in 1989–90 and added into their general funding in 1990–91.