§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the evidence of the use of heroin in schools; what advice his Department gives; and what counselling provision is available for teachers and parents.
§ Mr. DunnOfficial statistics relate only to the number of addicts notified to the Home Office. My right hon. Friend regards reports from other sources relating to the use of heroin in schools or by children of school age as a cause for great concern.
The Department's advice — as set out in the DES report "Health Education in Schools"—is that education in schools for the prevention of drug misuse is best dealt with as part of a broad programme of health or social education.
The provision of in-service training and materials for teachers relating to drug misuse is a matter for schools and local education authorities. Schools have a role to play in the counselling of parents in this as in other areas: this is for local decision in response to individual circumstances.