§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles were convicted of drug offences in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe numbers of persons aged under 17 found guilty in the United Kingdom of drugs offences (including both principal and non-principal offences) in 1981, 1982 and 1983 were 230, 299 and 329 respectively. Combined information relating to those found guilty or cautioned in each year from 1973 to 1983 is published for all age groups in table 6 of "Statistics of the Misuse of Drugs in the United Kingdom, 1983" (Home Office Statistical Bulletin 18/84) a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. The Government view with concern the recent increase in these figures and are taking a wide range of measures to combat drug misuse, including the preparation of a major education and prevention campaign directed at young people.