§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recommendations she has made about developing drug detoxification strategies at regional level. [142068]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyAs a result of the Government's forward expenditure plans spending on treatment services, including those providing detoxification, will rise from£234 million this year to£401 million in 2003–04. The National Treatment Agency, which will be established from April 2001, will be responsible for a pooled budget to expand drug treatment provision and for ensuring the delivery of high quality services across the country. It will ensure that those requiring treatment are able to access services regardless of their route of referral.
The Government are committed to reducing long waiting times for drug treatment services and to bringing the standards of all up to the standards of the best.