Further to the answer to question S1W-8272 by Susan Deacon on 10 July 2000, how national strategic developments to control alcohol misuse a…

The Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse (SACAM) was specifically set up to advice the Scottish Executive on the development and implementation of a coherent national strategy, and the most appropriate targeting of available resources.SACAM identified, within its first Action Plan, the range of developments necessary to lay firm foundations for effective implementation of a robust and sustainable strategy. The work currently in progress will help us to determine the most appropriate targeting of available resources in the longer term. At this stage, available funding is being used to support initial implementation of the Action Plan. Specific work in this respect includes the undertaking of a scoping review of alcohol misuse information; research into costs associated with alcohol misuse and cost-effectiveness of measures to reduce alcohol misuse which will shortly be commissioned; the preparation of an inventory of alcohol services; increased funding to Alcohol Misuse Co-ordinating Committees in recognition of their vital role in alcohol misuse at both local and national level, and to inform prevention and health promotion aspects of a national strategy, SACAM is planning to hold an event later this year to examine evidence and perspectives of alcohol misuse.