HC Deb 01 November 1983 vol 47 c307W
Mr. Batiste

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation which will enable the police to deal with persons who abuse solvents in a manner similar to those who abuse alcohol.

Mr. Mellor

Earlier this year the Government circulated a consultative letter to statutory and voluntary bodies concerned with solvent misusers on ways of tackling solvent misuse. In the light of the responses to that consultation, the Home Secretary is considering with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any changes in the powers available to the police would be desirable. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security hopes to make a statement before the Christmas Adjournment on additional measures to combat solvent misuse.