Written question asked by Brian Iddon (Labour) on Monday, 5 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Monday, 19 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will introduce a national strategy for substance misuse in place of separate strategies for alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse.

Answer: Dr. Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a national strategy for substance misuse in place of separate strategies for alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse. [152666] Ms Stuart: Although there are some significant similarities between treatment and prevention strategies for alcohol, drugs and tobacco, there are also very significant differences in terms of the mortality and morbidity associated with each and their impact on society. We believe therefore that it is more effective to have separate strategies to tackle each under the umbrella of the Government's overarching goals of combating social exclusion, reducing health inequalities and tackling criminality.

Secondary information