asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what progress has been made in considering proposals for cheaper community-based detoxification services for Merseyside;(2) when she anticipates a decision will be made on the detoxification service for Merseyside.

I am ready to consider any modest and well-planned proposal for experimental services for drunkenness offenders in Merseyside which is recommended by the subgroup of the Advisory Council on Alcoholism which I have set up to promote services for homeless alcoholics. I understand that NACRO are discussing revised proposals locally, but I have not yet received them.