§ Mr. Greg Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many young people in the midlands it is estimated are currently suffering from the effects of solvent abuse; and whether any procedure exists for monitoring this figure.
§ Mr. John PattenThere are considerable practical difficulties in systematically collecting reliable information on the numbers suffering any effects of solvent abuse. The available evidence indicates that in the vast majority of cases the effects are temporary and only a small minority of misusers become chronic misusers at risk of long-term damage or psychological impairment. Our offer to consider applications for funds for studies of prevalence of solvent misuse remains open.