asked the Minister for Health the total expenditure for the last 12 months on advertisements discouraging the misuse of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Misuse of Alcohol.
100.
The total expenditure for the purpose since the 1st January last was approximately £50,000, which included the cost of television, newspaper and magazine publicity and the production of leaflets.
I fully appreciate the necessity of discouraging by every possible means the misuse of alcohol, a misuse which, unfortunately, is a feature of our modern society in this and other countries. In October, 1973, my Department initiated a publicity campaign against the dangers of excessive drinking. A similar campaign was included in the general health education measures undertaken subsequently by the Department and, since January last, by the Health Education Bureau.
It is difficult to assess the results of a publicity campaign of this nature which is aimed at changing an attitude in the community towards a long standing habit. I feel, however, that people are generally becoming aware of the grave dangers of excessive drinking and of the need to adopt a more sensible attitude to the use of alcohol.