HL Deb 08 September 2003 vol 652 cc35-6WA
Lord Chadlington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What funding is being provided for the proposed new pilot supervised injecting clinics; and whether they intend to commission any ongoing independent evaluation of these clinics. [HL4115]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government announced the launch of heroin prescribing guidance on 13 June 2003. The guidance was developed to complement and expand on existing Department of Health guidelines,Drug misuse and dependence: guidelines on clinical management.

The guidance is based on a fresh examination of the latest national and international evidence and best practice and represents a consensus of expert opinion on injectable prescribing. Discussions are taking place between the Home Office, the Department of Health and National Treatment Agency on pilot projects to test aspects of the guidance.

Funding for these is under discussion.