§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new narcotic addicts were notified to the Home Office for 1972 to 1981 inclusive; how many of these notifications were received from (a) hospitals, (b) general practitioners and (c) prison medical officers for the same period; and what was the percentage increase year by year of first notifications from each source for the same period.
§ Mr. RaisonThe total number of persons notified as addicts for the first time is published for each of the years 1971 to 1981 in Home Office statistical bulletin issue 2/82. On the breakdown requested, we shall reply as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what advice he has requested or received from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about the rise in drug addiction in the United Kingdom;
(2) in view of the 40 per cent. rise in new addicts, if he will take action to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonThe increased availability of illicit opiates is an important factor in the recent rise in reported addiction. The Government will therefore continue to play an active part in the development of international action in this field, and to give full support to both the international agencies and to our national law enforcement agencies in their efforts to curb illicit traffic.
The advisory council on the misuse of drugs hopes to complete in the course of this year major reports on measures for preventing misuse of drugs, and on services for the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.