§ 21. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about the growth of the practice of glue sniffing among young people.
§ Mr. MayhewSince the reply given to the hon. Member for Carlisle (Mr. Lewis) on 11 March, we have received four letters from hon. Members about solvent abuse and 11 from members of the public.
§ Mr. NewensIs the Minister aware that there is widespread concern among all those who deal with the problems of young people at the spread of this repugnant practice, which has been proved to be dangerous to young people's health? Is he also aware that many people are concerned about Home Office complacency? Will he further examine the matter to see whether it is possible to require that an agent should be included in the glues used for glue sniffing so as to make those who participate violently sick?
§ Mr. MayhewI am aware of the concern referred to in the first part of the question. In tackling the problem, the Government place most reliance on persuasion and education at local level. In a debate on 20 April my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security set out the Government's policy and the action being taken. He outlined the plans for strengthening the capabilities of local services.
§ Mr. SnapeWill the hon. and learned Gentleman accept that this is a widespread and worrying problem, particularly among young people and unemployed young people in the West Midlands? Will the Home Office consider setting up a working party or at least holding discussions with the manufacturers of glues and other solvents to see whether an additive could be placed in their products as outlined by my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens)?
§ Mr. MayhewI am aware of the concern. The problem with putting in an additive is that an enormous variety of solvents can be sniffed for kicks. The demands on that additive would be so great that investigations have shown that a solution to the problem along those lines is unlikely.