Context
The Scottish Affairs Committee recently conducted an inquiry into the Thistle safer drug consumption room in Glasgow, which aims to reduce drug-related deaths. The committee chair is questioning the impact of a £1.3 million real-terms cut in yesterday's Scottish budget.
Question
Is the Secretary aware that the Scottish Affairs Committee has recently investigated the Thistle safer drug consumption room in Glasgow? I hope this facility will help lower drug death numbers, but can he agree that the Thistle alone cannot solve the crisis? Given this, does he also believe a £1.3 million real-terms cut to alcohol and drug services was entirely inappropriate?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)
This is a serious issue. The SNP claims their budget is as good as it gets, but since declaring a public health emergency, over 6,800 people have died from drugs, the highest rate in Europe. Despite the Scottish Government's assertions about yesterday’s budget, it was another missed opportunity to address the crisis better. We provided resources, but the current government lacks ideas and is failing in public health.
Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not directly address whether the £1.3 million cut was inappropriate or if other measures were needed beyond the Thistle safer drug consumption room.
How: Changing Subject, Criticizing Opposition
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