§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the Government will incorporate responsibility for problem gambling under the auspices of the National Treatment Agency; [158316]
(2) what assessment the Government have made of the best method of meeting the health needs of problem gamblers; [158344]
(3) what plans he has to include responsibility for problem gambling under the auspices of the National Treatment Agency. [158349]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe most recent assessment of the extent of problem gambling is in the report of the independent Gambling Review Body (Cm 5206).
The national development group for specialised mental health services will review treatment for problem gambling to provide guidance that will help groups of primary care trusts to commission appropriate services and support the development of services in those areas where there are significant problems.
We have also encouraged the gambling industry to support the charitable trust, which it has established with a remit to fund both research into problem gambling and services for its treatment.
The Department has no plans to include responsibility for problem gambling under the auspices of the National Treatment Agency.