HC Deb 04 June 1998 vol 313 cc336-7W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sums the Government have allocated to drug treatment services specialising in(a) alcohol and (b) illegal drugs in each of the last five years. [43670]

Ms Jowell

The Department has given £555,000 in 1998/99, £1,055,000 in 1997/98, £1,055,000 in 1996/97, £555,000 in 1995/96 and £968,000 in 1994/95 to Alcohol Concern to run a grants programme specifically for alcohol treatment services.

The Department provides a cash contribution to health authorities to purchase drug services under a special allocation. In each of the last five years, the special allocation for drug services was £41.3 million in 1998/99, £37.19 million in 1997/98, £33.39 million in 1996/97, £26.75 million in 1995/96 and £25.50 million in 1994/95.

The Department also administers the specific grant for making payments to voluntary organisations providing services for drug and alcohol misusers, which will distribute £2.5 million in 1998/99, and has previously distributed £2.5 million in 1997/98, 1996/97 and 1995/96, and £2.4 million in 1994/95.