§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many alcohol-related deaths there have been(a) nationally, (b) in the west midlands and (c) in Coventry in each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year in each case; [1781]
638W(2) how many young people experienced alcohol-related problems (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year in each case; [1786]
(3) what research has been carried out to determine how much alcohol-related illnesses and accidents costs the NHS each year. [1790]
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist general practitioners in detecting and treating patients suffering from alcohol-related illness. [1782]
§ Mr. BurnsWe are currently considering what support we might give to purchasers of treatment and care for people with alcohol misuse problems. This would include general practitioners involved in the purchasing and planning of such services. We aim to produce, by next summer, guidance equivalent to the guidance we issued this year to purchasers of services for drug misusers.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase awareness among school children of alcohol-related problems. [1787]
§ Mr. BurnsLater in the year, the Health Education Authority will be launching a campaign targeted at young people with a particular focus on the short term risks of intoxication. This follows up recommendations in our report "Sensible Drinking", 1995. However, the national curriculum already requires that pupils are taught about alcohol, including the effects of misuse on health.