HC Deb 04 July 1979 vol 969 c597W
26. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the substantial increase in the number of "glue sniffing" incidents, what legislative or other action he proposes to take to curb this practice, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fairgrieve

I do not consider that legislation would help to curb this practice, which is limited to certain areas. I propose to continue to keep the problem under review and to encourage local arrangements to ensure that any local outbreaks are quickly identified and dealt with by the police, teachers, social workers and, when necessary, doctors. I hope that a comprehensive health education programme will ultimately eliminate the practice altogether.