§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent assessment he has made of the 829W use and abuse of alcohol in other EU countries with special reference to (a) binge drinking and (b) young people; [117823]
(2) what recent research he has commissioned into the treatment of alcohol abusers in the European Union; [118608]
(3) what comparative research he has commissioned into the costs to health services in the EU of alcohol abuse. [118609]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department of Health has been working closely with my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister's strategy unit on a project to develop the national alcohol harm reduction strategy. As part of this project, the strategy unit is due to publish an interim analysis in the summer. The analysis will consider issues around treatment for those with an alcohol problem and the costs to health services of alcohol-related harm. It will also make reference both to binge drinking and young people and will draw, where relevant, on international and European comparisons. The final report, which will set out the cross-governmental alcohol harm reduction strategy is planned for publication in the autumn.