§ 13. Dr. George Turner (North-West Norfolk)What targets he proposes to set for reducing the illegal use of drugs. [75369]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Dr. Jack Cunningham)Under the Government's 10-year strategy, we aim to reduce young people's drug misuse, to reduce drug-related offending and access to drugs among young people, and to increase participation in drug treatment programmes.
§ Dr. TurnerI wonder whether my right hon. Friend is as unhappy as I am with that response. Until we can quantify what we are trying to do, we will not get real about the problem. I understand that targets cannot be 1114 plucked out of a hat. We must ensure that the numerical targets that are set are realistic and that we have the means to deliver them, but when will figures be added to what are widely accepted as good intentions?
§ Dr. CunninghamPerhaps I had better make it clear to my hon. Friend that, if I had been unhappy with the response, I would not have given it in the first place. As for figures, we have a public service agreement in that area and we are currently putting together the first annual report of the UK drugs co-ordinator. We shall also examine the possibility of setting more specific targets in the future.