Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the increase in drug addiction within the Republic of Ireland has had an adverse effect in Northern Ireland; what is his estimate of the number of heroin users in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThere is no evidence to suggest that the increase in drug addiction within the Republic of Ireland has had an adverse effect in Northern Ireland. It is not possible to estimate the number of heroin users in Northern Ireland, but the information available suggests that the number is small. On 1 January 1984 one case of heroin addiction was notified to the chief medical officer of the Department of Health and Social Services, in respect of the year ending 31 December 1983, as required by the Misuse of Drugs (Notification of and Supply to Addicts) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1973. During 1983 the police charged four persons for offences involving heroin.
The Government will continue to monitor the situation.