§ Mr. Blackburnasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if, in view of the increase in drug taking by young people, as evidenced by the considerable rise in breaking and entering of chemists' shops in the Dudley area for the purpose of obtaining controlled drugs, and the increased demand on police time caused by this problem, he will bring forward proposals for more effective security measures for premises in which controlled drugs are kept;
(2) if he will consider financial aid for retail chemists' shops for the provision of controlled drugs cabinets;
(3) if he is satisfied with the security specification of controlled drugs cabinets used in retail chemists' shops.
§ Mr. RaisonThe security of controlled drugs kept in retail pharmacies and elsewhere is due to be considered by the advisory council on the misuse of drugs at its meeting next month and our intention is then, subject to the council's views, to consult the various professional bodies concerned on proposals to improve standards of security.
The question of financial aid for retail pharmacists installing controlled drugs cabinets in their shops is for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Security but I understand that such costs are already taken into account in determining their NHS remuneration.