§ 7. Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire, Moorlands)What progress is being made on combating the increase in illegal drug use, with particular reference to rural areas. [124269]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Marjorie Mowlam)The Government's 10-year strategy, "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain", is designed to combat drug misuse in all parts of the United Kingdom, urban or rural.
§ Charlotte AtkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware of the anxiety in rural areas about the increase in drug abuse? Will she outline the measures that she is taking to ensure the expansion of treatment centres in rural areas?
§ Marjorie MowlamI am well aware of the anxiety in rural areas. Again, the problem is both urban and rural. Drugs are not confined to the urban or the rural communities. We are doing our best, through the central direct treatment agency, to ensure that the need in urban and rural areas is fulfilled. We have advertised for 300 additional counsellors, whom we shall train, initially to make it possible for treatment to increase.