§ 13. Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to increase public awareness of the dangers of drug taking.
§ Mr. SharplesMy right hon. Friend has been keeping this matter under consideration, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Social Services and with the Health Education Council, but no Government measures are contemplated until the results of a survey of public attitudes are available.
§ Mr. JoplingIs my hon. Friend aware that it is especially important to educate young people about the dangers of drug taking and that at present lamentably little is done to tell them of the problems and horrors of drug taking? Will he take 1633 steps to ensure that all children at some stage of their school life receive education as to the horrors of drug taking, preferably by the use of visual aids such as films?
§ Mr. SharplesThis is a matter for the Health Education Council. I very much welcome the efforts which have been made by the Women's Royal Voluntary Service which has initiated training programmes for children.