HL Deb 16 January 2004 vol 657 cc105-6WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit disbanded the sub-group of its advisory group on the draft analytical report on alcohol; and whether they will publish the paper submitted by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a member of the sub-group. [HL92]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

The Strategy Unit convened several informal sub-groups to inform the development of its draft analytical report on alcohol misuse in England. As well as consulting a wide range of experts and stakeholders, the unit also commissioned and paid for a number of pieces of research from independent academics; publication of these is a matter for the authors. One of these pieces of research was commissioned from Professor Sir Michael Marmot. The interim analytical report which was produced as a result of this process was published in September 2003.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consult with the Republic of Ireland and the Scottish Executive as regards their new strategies to combat alcohol harm, in order to align policy throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. [HL648]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government have consulted with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in producing their analysis of the harm caused by alcohol, and will continue to do so as the strategy for England is finalised and implemented. All three have produced their own strategies and the Government have been keen to learn from these. In addition, the Government have sought advice from the Republic of Ireland as part of the same process.