Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 November 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 November 1999 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much money is spent per annum in Northern Ireland on substance abuse rehabilitation by (a) statutory and (b) voluntary bodies; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures and ref to "Drugs Strategy for Northern Ireland".

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money is spent per annum in Northern Ireland on substance abuse rehabilitation by (a) statutory and (b) voluntary bodies; and if he will make a statement. [97456] Mr. George Howarth: This information is not available in the form requested. However, a 1999 report on reducing alcohol related harm in Northern Ireland estimated that annual expenditure by Health and Social Services Boards and HSS Trusts on alcohol addiction treatment services was £2.9 million. Similarly, a consultancy report, commissioned to inform the new "Drugs Strategy for Northern Ireland", estimated that Boards and Trusts spend £1.4 million annually on drug services. The Department of Health and Social Services awarded grants totalling almost £230,000 in 1998-99 to voluntary organisations involved in combating substance misuse.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97456; 337 c596W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Expenditure Drugs Northern Ireland Misuse Rehabilitation Voluntary organisations Solvents
Contains statistics: Yes