HC Deb 23 April 1985 vol 77 cc728-9
4. Mr. Sackville

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he plans to provide central funding for specialised in-service courses for teachers in the problems of drug abuse.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Sir Keith Joseph)

Under the Department's programme for supporting regional in-service training courses, regional courses concerned with drug misuse, and arranged in consultation with the Department, will be eligible for central funding.

Mr. Sackville

Does my right hon. Friend feel that to have one key teacher who understands something about drugs in each school is the minimum that we need to tackle the problem? Does he feel that his Department has done enough to achieve that end?

Sir Keith Joseph

I agree with the purpose of my hon. Friend's question. The Government are now addressing themselves to ensuring that more information is available on which crucial groups such as teachers can rest with self-confidence in their detection of and advice to those concerned.

Mr. Boyes

Is the Secretary of State aware that after only one shot of heroin some youngsters are on a short journey to death? Has he had an opportunity to read in today's Daily Mirror the tragic story of Fiona Marshall, aged only 17? Does he acknowledge the tremendous campaign being run by the Daily Mirror against drug abuse, and does he agree that that campaign, calling for advice, co-ordination and treatment on drug addiction and for drug addicts, is vital? Does he further agree that the Govermnent's suggestion of providing £2 million is insufficient and that there should be a massive injection of cash into schools so that people can be caught early and given treatment?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not want in any way to minimise the importance which the hon. Gentleman rightly wishes to give the subject or to the efforts of the Daily Mirror, but we are advised that there is a danger of being counterproductive and of glamourising the subject. That is why we are taking care to put together constructive advice for those immediately concerned.

Sir Bernard Braine

Although shock tactics might not always be the right answer for drug misuse by young children, does my right hon. Friend agree that we cannot start too early to warn young children of the dangers involved? Will he take seriously the suggestion of our hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville)? Is he contemplating issuing any directive to local education authorities on the subject? He must surely be aware that the problem is serious, and growing.

Sir Keith Joseph

My right hon. Friend has a fine record in trying to mobilise solutions to a parallel social problem — alcoholism — and I take what he says extremely seriously. He mentioned the key element—the danger of giving the wrong impression and of steering children in the wrong direction. There is also danger in trying to bring the truth to children at too early an age, as is might do more harm than good. Nevertheless, I take the subject extremely seriously.