HC Deb 01 July 1996 vol 280 c336W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent in each of the last five years to discourage the use of(a) nicotine, (b) alcohol, (c) unnecessary medicinal drugs, (d) cannabis, (e) ecstasy and (f) heroin. [34895]

Mr. Bowis

The table shows the amount spent on behalf of the Department of Health on publicity and prevention initiatives for smoking and drug and solvent misuse over the last five years. Initiatives for drug and solvent misuse cover cannabis, ecstasy and heroin. No medicinal product can be licensed if it does not have a medicinal purpose. The figures for alcohol relate to sensible drinking messages and messages to people who may be having alcohol problems.

Financial year Smoking £ Alcohol £ Unnecessary medicinal drugs Drug and solvent misuse
1992–93 5,438,000 1,613,000 None 4,965,023
1993–94 8,256,000 1,548,000 None 5,296,284
1994–95 10,538,000 819,000 None 4,443,396
1995–96 6,342,000 825,000 None 5,000,000
1996–97 6,500,000 825,000 None 5,000,000