§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received regarding drug abuse in Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerI have recently received a letter from the chairman of the Hertfordshire standing conference on drugs misuse, about the urgency and scale of the drug misuse problem. In my reply, today, I referred to my recent announcement that, as an initial response to the report* from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs 541W I am making £2 million available in 1983–84. This will enable projects for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug misuse, which have the support of local and health authorities, to be brought forward. The guidelines and application forms for this grants scheme are expected to be issued to health and local authorities and voluntary organisations next month.
* Treatment and Rehabilitation, report of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office 1982, price £3.95.