MP calls for urgent reform of the drug treatment system
1st July 2010
David Burrowes calls for a Parliamentary debate on the drug treatment system following the recent publication of the annual report of the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. The report's findings contrast with those of the Public Accounts Committee and the fact that only 4% of addicts become drug-free.
Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): May we have a debate on the annual report of the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, which was presented to the House on Tuesday? The report describes the position of treatment as "encouraging", which is in stark contrast with the 30th report of the Public Accounts Committee in March, which concluded that £1.2 billion is spent on tackling drug misuse without the Government knowing the overall effect of that approach. Such a debate could focus on the fact that only 4% of addicts become drug-free and on the urgent need for reform of the drug treatment system.
Mr Heath: We have known for a long time that the problems with substance, drug and alcohol abuse have not been sufficiently addressed in Government policy. It now needs to be addressed, and it is explicit within coalition Government plans that that will be the case. I cannot promise the hon. Gentleman a debate or a statement on this subject, but he might want to raise it by other means.
