To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether a group to compile national guidance on the streamlining and commissioning of drug treatment for offenders has been established. (234561)

A group chaired by Professor Lord Patel has been established to consider options for the streamlining of funding and commissioning arrangements for prison drug treatment. I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statements laid jointly with the Minister of State my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, South (Dawn Primarolo), Department of Health on 17 March 2008, Official Report, column 49WS and 13 June Official Report, column 34WS. I intend shortly to make a further written ministerial statement giving an update of progress made.