§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision has been made in the current year to provide assistance to those with alcohol and drug problems. [19108]
§ Ms JowellHealth and local authorities are responsible for assessing the level of need for alcohol and drug services locally, and making arrangements to meet that need in accordance with local priorities and the resources available.
The Drug Misuse Special Allocation is a significant element in the resources available to health authorities to address the needs of drug misusers. In 1996–97 the special allocation stands at £37.191 million. This will rise to £41.296 million in 1998–99, an increase of 8 per cent. in real terms.