§ 35. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he has taken to assist the implementation of the Government's anti-drugs misuse strategy. [101800]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe Comprehensive Spending Review backed the Strategy set out in "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain" with £217 million of new money over the three years 1999–2000 to 2001–02. This includes funding for the Drug Treatment and Testing Orders, which, subject to successful evaluation, will roll out nationally from next year. In addition, my predecessor agreed a framework for the new Confiscated Assets Fund, which will ensure that the assets seized from drugs barons are deployed effectively in support of the Strategy.
Further, HM Customs and Excise, who are accountable to the Chancellor, play a key operational role in delivery against the Strategy's objective of reducing the availability of drugs in the UK.