HC Deb 11 March 2003 vol 401 cc229-30W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS has spent on alcohol rehabilitation services in each of the past three years; what form these services take; and how these services will be funded and expanded to take account of the removal of exemptions in the Mental Health Act 1983. [100821]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 4 March 2003]: Funding for alcohol treatment services is s pent via the general budgets of primary care trusts and local social service departments, which is consistent with provision being determined following a local consideration of need. This method of funding means that it is not possible to give details of the amount spent on the prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse. However, latest estimates indicate that £95 million per year is spent on alcohol treatment in England on a variety of types of treatment, and that most of this funding is provided by the Government. This estimate does not cover the cost of psychiatric in-patient treatment, which may be the first destination for people who need compulsory treatment.

It is absolutely not our intention significantly to increase the numbers of people who are subject to compulsion by virtue of mental disorder. The definition of mental disorder in the draft Bill, coupled with the strict conditions that must be met before compulsory powers can be used, will ensure that only people for whom compulsory treatment is necessary can receive it. There should therefore be no need to make substantial provision for additional alcohol rehabilitation services.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the cost to the British economy of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths. [101067]

Ms Blears

The national alcohol harm reduction strategy is currently being developed by the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit, and will include an analysis of the costs that alcohol misuse incurs for the English economy. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has therefore had no recent discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer which touched on the cost to the British economy from alcohol related deaths and illnesses.