§ 13. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has had from local education authorities and medical officers of health to his letter on drug addiction.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Denis Howell)All but four local education authorities have now replied to the Department's letter to chief education officers and principal school medical officers. None of them had firm evidence of drug addiction among school children or students, but a number reported youthful 621 experimentation with what are known as soft drugs. Authorities showed concern at the situation, and most had taken steps to acquaint teachers and youth leaders of the dangers.
§ Mrs. ShortI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. The exercise is well worth while. Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that it is necessary to keep an eye on this matter in order to make sure that local education authorities do investigate these cases under their care?
§ Mr. HowellI can assure my hon. Friend that we shall continue to keep a very close eye on the matter. As she says, local education authorities have opened up considerable discussions with their medical officers and others resulting from this exchange of Questions in the House.