§ 11. Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the pattern of illegal drug usage in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. R. CarrIt is a matter of concern that offences against the dangerous drugs laws have been increasing. But so have convictions; and the enforcement agencies have been strengthened in a number of ways.
§ Mr. LoveridgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that many parents of possible addicts will not approach the police 1656 for fear of informing against their children? In view of the sharp increase in the number of convictions for the possession of heroin, will my right hon. Friend draw parents into the battle against addiction? To make this possible, will he consider setting up specially trained groups of police officers and medical workers to whom parents may go in confidence for advice in such a situation?
§ Mr. CarrI understand the sort of human situation which my hon. Friend mentions and I shall certainly consider his suggestion. He will, I think, be aware already that not only is there now a central drugs intelligence unit serving the whole country but that most police areas in England and Wales now have their special drugs squads. I shall certainly see in what ways their service can be extended to the sort of advice that my hon. Friend mentioned.