§ Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, (1) if he will consider setting up special clinics to deal with the problem of addiction and dependence on 327W toxic solvents by way of sniffing; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has been informed of the decision of the Central Regional Authority to set up a de-intoxication centre to deal with the problem of glue sniffing and solvent inhalation; when he was informed; and if he has taken action to have similar centres set up in other areas.
§ Mr. Harry EwingI have seen Press reports about a proposal to set up a deintoxification centre but have not received any information from the Central Regional Council. Where cases of glue sniffing come to notice efforts are made by the health, education and social work services to educate and counsel children in the risks of this practice. I am considering whether any further guidance on this matter needs to be given.
§ Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received to make the inhalation of toxic substances an offence.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNone.
§ Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaths have occurred of schoolchildren as a result directly or indirectly attributed to the inhalation of toxic solvents.
§ Mr. Harry EwingIn the six years to 1975 the death of one male aged 15 was recorded—in 1975—as due to the inhalation of glue vapour.