§ Dr. Ifor Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the Government's attitude towards the substantial increase in the number of cases of glue sniffing amongst students in schools; and whether he plans to introduce legislation on this matter.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimI am not aware of a substantial increase in the number of cases of glue sniffing amongst students in schools. However, as I stated in my reply of 2 December to my hon. Friend the Member for20W Southend, East (Mr. Taylor), my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services is considering how to improve the information available on the incidence of sniffing.
I do not know what legislation the hon. Member has in mind, but, for the reasons given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East, I do not consider that it would be justifiable or practicable to restrict the sale of glue to young persons.