§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Government-funded needle exchange services are available for drug addicts(a) in the North-West region and (b) in England and Wales. [102699]
§ Yvette CooperThis information is not available centrally for England or the North-West region.
Information from local sources is that there are about 45 Government-funded needle exchange schemes based in agencies in the North-West region. In addition, there are pharmacy schemes and mobile outreach teams (which may be Government-funded needle exchange services); no reliable information on these is available.
Information for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the First Secretary for Wales.