HC Deb 19 February 1985 vol 73 c419W
36. Mr. Dover

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what new measures he proposes to take in schools and colleges as a contribution to the prevention of the misuse of drugs by young people.

Mr. Dunn

The Government attach great importance to combating this problem. I represent the Department on the interdepartmental ministerial group on the misuse of drugs. We have funded jointly with the Department of Health and Social Security a programme of market research to establish how a prevention campaign should be targeted. Further action is now in hand in several areas.

  1. i. A contract is being negotiated with the National Foundation for Educational Research to undertake work to analyse and evaluate the types and level of activity by local education authorities in combating drug misuse.
  2. ii. Further research work by the Health Education Council, in collaboration with others, for the preparation of suitable curriculum materials is being discussed.
  3. iii. The Department is playing its part in the preparation of a training film for professionals.

A booklet of advice for teachers and others in the education service is being prepared by the Department. This will be sent to local education authorities with more general advice on how they can play their part in combating drug misuse.

Further action is under consideration.