We were also concerned that the JCDU and departments would not be able to develop a sufficient evidence base in the time available. They have begun to collect evidence on ‘what works’ but told us that timing was an issue and there would be limited evidence on the programme. However, health interventions are based on clinical best practices and evaluation would provide some early evidence of impacts. The JCDU also said that Project ADDER, which pre-dated the strategy, would be evaluated and there were examples of progress in several local authority areas.19 In written evidence after the session DHSC also highlighted that clinical research for drug treatment and recovery interventions was being 9 Qq 3, 4 10 C&AG’s Report para 1.2 11 Qq 3, 57, 58 12 Q 4 13 Qq 3, 5, 23, 55, 115, 130 14 Q 100 15 Q 63 16 Q 38 17 C&AG’s Report para 16 18 Q 98 19 Qq 99, 100, 115 10 Reducing the harm from illegal drugs carried out at several UK institutions, including the universities of Bristol, St Andrews and Imperial College London. It will also commission further research as part of the new Addiction Mission.20 The need for a collaborative and flexible approach