§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects discussions to be completed between the prison department and the probation service aimed at creating a framework for treatment and rehabilitation programmes for drug abusers whilst in custody and after release into the community; whether voluntary agencies are also being consulted about such a framework; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MellorWe expect the discussions between the prison department and the probation service to be concluded shortly.
These discussions are aimed at improving the cohesion at establishment level of existing effort to help drug misusers in prison, with particular reference to the interface between the prison medical service and the probation service, and of developing that effort across the prison system. Consultation with voluntary agencies about the framework would be inappropriate; however establishments will he encouraged to consider the contribution which suitable drug counselling facilities in the community may be able to make.