§ Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the extent of drug addiction in the United Kingdom; whether such addiction is increasing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Whitelaw:Statistics on the misuse of drugs in the United Kingdom for the years 1970 to 1980 are contained in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 15–81, published on 7 July 1981. Reports from a number of sources suggest that the trend of increasing abuse of controlled drugs indicated by those statistics is continuing in 1981.
The United Kingdom is participating actively in efforts to improve international co-operation to combate drug trafficking under the auspices of the Council of Europe, the International Criminal Police Organisation, the Customs Co—operation Council and the United Nations.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the police service continue in their efforts to bring to justice those who are engaged in drug trafficking, with considerable success.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the present arrangements for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.