§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what support the Government gives to the work of the East-West Detox organisation in combating heroin addiction; and if she will make a statement. [108586]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe commissioning of services for drug misusers is essentially a matter for local agencies. The East-West Detox organisation receives no financial support from the Berkshire Health Authority. Health authorities and local authorities will receive an extra £70.5 million from 1999 to 2002 to commission and develop drug treatment services. The Government believe that a range of treatments should be available to allow drug misusers to benefit from those most appropriate to their needs and abstinence should be the primary aim of treatment.