HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc328-9W
Harry Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the work on the National Alcohol Strategy commenced; at what stage the work is at present; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement. [33379]

Ms Blears

The White Paper "Our Healthier Nation" (1999) set out that the Government, local organisations, the voluntary sector and the drinks industry would need to take action to successfully tackle alcohol misuse.

The Department is working on a consultation paper for the strategy which will:

  • draw in contributions from the bodies and organisations mentioned;
  • review progress to date;
  • outline a programme for the future.

The NHS Plan sets out the timetable for publishing and implementing the strategy. The plan says that the Department will be implementing the strategy by 2004 and we are well on the way to achieving this target.