Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 10 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 May 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 May 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the latest estimated annual costs incurred by the NHS as the result of (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco and (c) other drug use are. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the latest estimated annual costs incurred by the NHS as the result of (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco and (c) other drug use are. [172740] Miss Melanie Johnson: The estimated annual cost of alcohol misuse to the national health service is around £1.6 billion in England. The latest figures available indicate that smoking costs the NHS up to £1.7 billion a year in England. Information on the total cost of drug misuse to the NHS is not available. However, in 2003-04, the Government's pooled budget totalled £243.6 million for the treatment of drug misusers. It is estimated that a further £200 million of mainstream funds was spent on the treatment of drug misuse.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 172740; 421 c1706W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Costs Alcoholism Health services Expenditure Drugs NHS Medical treatments Misuse Smoking
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk