Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of the cost of alcohol abuse to the National Health Service; and when he expects to publish his Alcohol Strategy. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of the cost of alcohol abuse to the national health service; and when he expects to publish his Alcohol Strategy. [138778] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Government's latest estimate of the costs accruing to the national health service as a result of alcohol misuse was prepared by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's strategy unit as part of their project to develop a alcohol harms reduction strategy for England. The strategy unit's interim analytical report on the harms associated with alcohol misuse, which was published on 19 September 2003, indicated that costs to the health service in England lay between £1.4 billion and £1.7 billion. These estimates were prepared using both existing and specially commissioned research. The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England will be published in and implemented from 2004, in line with the commitment given by the Government in the NHS Plan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 138778; 413 c1361-2W;413 c1357-8W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Disclosure of information Alcoholic drinks Costs NHS Misuse Policy Research
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk