To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are receiving treatment for drug addiction in Stoke-on-Trent; and what estimate has been made of (a) the number of drug addicts in Stoke-on-Trent and (b) the number not in treatment. (143346)

The information requested is not centrally available in the format requested. The Department collects data on drug treatment at drug action team (DAT) level, rather than by geographical area. The most recent data, 2004-05, available for Staffordshire DAT, which includes Stoke on Trent is as follows:

Estimated number of Problematical Drug Users (PDUs): 2,975

Estimated number of PDUs not in treatment: 1,410

Notes:

PDUs are defined as crack/opiate users.

The PDU estimate was conducted by Glasgow university for the Home Office.

The figures provided are estimates and as such, they may differ from the actual figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the adequacy of primary care trust commissioning plans with relation to the treatment of addictions. (143766)

[holding answer 18 June 2007]: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are expected to commission services based on the needs of their local population. As part of this the needs of individuals who have a form of addiction should be a component of a PCT’s commissioning plan. Strategic health authorities are responsible for the performance management of PCTs.