To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are in place for monitoring the use and effectiveness of methadone as a heroin substitute. [11271]

Arrangements for the delivery of substitute prescribing programmes, including monitoring the use and effectiveness of services, are a matter for local consideration in the first instance. The use and effectiveness of substitute prescribing programmes are issues addressed in new national guidance on drug misuse services which has been prepared by my department, discussed with the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse, and is now the subject of wide consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the use of methadone as a heroin substitute for heroin addicts in Scotland. [11270]

Substitute prescribing, including the use of methadone as a heroin substitute, is a method of harm reduction which has an important part to play in tackling drug misuse in Scotland. It needs to form part of a comprehensive package of care tailored to the individual needs of the drug misuser, which includes counselling and support and supervision of the taking of the drug, to prevent leakage onto the illicit market.My Department is issuing detailed guidance on good practice in substitute prescribing to all GPs and relevant health professionals in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the expenditure on the provision of methadone to heroin addicts (a) by health board and (b) in total for each of the last 10 years in Scotland. [11272]

The information by health board and Scotland for the financial years 1994–95 to 1996–97 is set out in the table.The costs shown include the value of ingredients and the cost of fees paid to community pharmacists for dispensing the drug.The information is not available in the form requested before 1994–95.