Following the issuing of guidance in 2007, the National Treatment Agency has been working closely with the local partnership in Weston-super-Mare, and the National Offender Management Service is working closely with the relevant probation service to resolve the difficulties identified by the hon. Gentleman.
I thank the Minister for that reply, but outside the probation service—in terms of medical referrals for addicts going for treatment in places such as Weston-super-Mare—will she commit here and now to the principle that the referring agency sending the addict for treatment retains responsibility for that addict throughout their programme of treatment and rehabilitation, rather than just allowing them to be abandoned into the care of local services after one or more of the initial steps in their treatment has been completed?
I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman on his important point, particularly with regard to the experiences of communities in Weston-super-Mare. I intend to follow this through, because treatment plans are an important part of the process and of supporting individuals. First, I will speak to my colleagues in the Ministry of Justice, specifically about referrals through probation services. Secondly, we will work with the NTA, the local authority and the local partnership to ensure that we address other referrals to the area in the way he suggests, because that is the only way to ensure that the treatment plans are delivered and work. I commend him for working so hard on this issue for so long.
The January National Audit Office report on community sentences drew attention to the shortage of alcohol misuse treatment courses. Should not the NHS be working with the probation services locally to make sure that rehabilitation for alcohol misusers is available everywhere in the country?
We expect the local area partnerships, including probation services, local authorities and the primary care trusts, to develop the relevant strategies, treatment and support for their communities, including treatments in residential places for those with alcohol misuse problems. If my hon. Friend has specific issues concerning his area that he wants to draw to my attention, I will be happy for him to do so, and I will follow them through.
According to the Government’s own figures, since 1997 deaths due to misuse of drugs have increased by almost a quarter and we have also seen the street price of class A drugs almost double. Is the Minister concerned that the fully developed care plans are not really happening and that the lack of integration is causing some of those deaths, and what will she do about that?
As I am sure the hon. Lady knows, there has been a 13 per cent. fall in drug-related deaths since 2001, and the number of people in treatment is now at record levels. I am sure that she would also like to congratulate the Government on the extra resources they are putting into drug treatment, and in particular into ensuring the delivery of effective treatment. Ten years ago, there was no treatment, but there is treatment now, and we must ensure that it is effective and co-ordinated. That is the Government’s objective.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that people from as far afield as Bournemouth are being referred to private drug clinics in my constituency, causing concern to both local police and the drug action team? What action does she intend to take to ensure that there is proper supervision and regulation of such clinics and a constant, proper treatment plan for individuals?
If there is a referral from a probation service outside my hon. Friend’s area, the guidance is clear: that probation service needs to refer to the relevant probation service with a care plan. On treatment centres, the Commission for Social Care Inspection is responsible for registered care homes and making sure they are properly provided for; the Healthcare Commission is responsible for making sure that registered hospitals come up to standard; and her local authority is responsible for all other registered treatment centres. If my hon. Friend is concerned about these matters and feels that the local partnership is unable to deliver that co-ordination, I will be happy to receive representations from her and put them to the NTA.