§ 59. Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has had about the measures currently being taken to inhibit drug trafficking.
§ Mr. MellorWe have received a number of letters expressing concern about drug trafficking and drug misuse. In reply we have emphasised the priority which the Government attaches to this problem and the range of measures which we have taken, including the provision this year of 160 new permanent Customs preventive posts and 50 more Customs specialist drugs investigators.
§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the numbers of persons charged with offences relating to drug trafficking in the Yorkshire and Humberside region during the past five years; and if he will break down this figure into areas within the Yorkshire and Humberside region.
§ Mr. MellorThe available information is given in the following table. Corresponding figures for 1984 are not yet available.
Persons proceeded against in the Yorkshire and Humberside region for trafficking* in controlled drugs Police force area 1980 1981 1982 1983 Humberside 10 22 20 11 North Yorkshire 8 20 10 16 South Yorkshire 14 24 43 27 West Yorkshire 63 60 66 78 Total 95 126 139 132 * Offences of unlawful production of drugs other than cannibis, unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply unlawfully and unlawful import or export.