§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of solvent sniffing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:Evidence suggests that solvent sniffing is sporadic and often clandestine and it is unlikely that a comprehensive inquiry into its incidence would be practicable or give reliable information.
The Government's view is that the problem is best assessed locally by the health and local authorities, and best dealt with by education and persuasion through local initiatives involving parents, health, social and youth workers, police, teachers and others. I welcome the local initiatives already taken in several areas and we are exploring what more can be done to help.