DRUG addicts in Gwent are waiting far too long to get onto treatment programmes and lives are being lost as a result, claims Newport West MP Paul Flynn.

He has dubbed as "appalling" an average wait of 11 months for treatment in Gwent, but has praised Assembly finance minister Edwina Hart for increasing funding for treatment programmes.

Figures Mr Flynn has obtained from Gwent's Specialist Substance Misuse Service show a maximum waiting time of 17 months for treatment. Mr Flynn and fellow Gwent MPs have recently met Gwent Police chiefs to discuss the situation.

"There is a broad measure of agreement that the best way to reduce all drug harm is through treatment," said Mr Flynn.

"When a drug addict goes into treatment, normally there is an immediate gain in reduction in crime.

"It has been proved that there is far better value from investing in treatment, rather than in suppressing drug use through the criminal justice system."

Ms Hart has announced a doubling of cash available for drug rehabilitation. The current £3.3 million budget will go up to £6.8m from next April.

An additional £6m has been allocated for 2004/05, and £9m in 2005/06. This money is separate to the £12m that Wales' five health authorities collectively spend each year on drug rehabilitation.

In a letter to Ms Hart, Mr Flynn wrote: "I knew from evidence from constituents that the situation was very serious in Newport, but I was appalled to read that the average waiting time is 11 months and the maximum is 17 months.

"Already lives have been lost in Newport by drug addicts who have wished to go onto treatment but found there was none available.

"Your decision is a move in the right direction and I hope there will be continued attention given to improving the quality of the treatment and aftercare that is so important in persuading people to escape their addictions."