asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she intends to set up an advisory committee on alcoholism.

I announced the decision to set up the committee and the appointment of the chairman on 18th September 1974. I very much regret the delay in establishing the committee. Invitations were sent on the same day to a wide range of professional and voluntary bodies, local authority associations and other groups seeking suggestions for membership. Some, I regret, have only recently replied and this has held up the appointment of members, but invitations are expected to be sent out shortly.