§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to curb the trade in hard drugs in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Government have a comprehensive strategy for tackling drug misuse throughout the United Kingdom involving simultaneous action to reduce supplies from abroad, tighten controls on drugs produced and prescribed here, make policing even more effective, strengthen deterrence, improve prevention through publicity and health education measures, and to improve treatment and rehabilitation services for those who misuse drugs. These measures, all of which should help to reduce the trade in drugs, are co-ordinated by the ministerial group on the misuse of drugs on which the Welsh Office is represented. I sent a summary of the Government's strategy to the hon. Member and other hon. Members for constituencies in Wales under cover of my letter of 28 March. They have also been sent extracts from the speech on drug misuse which I made on 8 March and in which I explained the Government's strategy and specific Welsh Office measures, including details of special central funding; of leaflets in English and Welsh language versions to help parents and professionals; and of Welsh health circular (85)27 which sets out the action we are now taking to further the Government's strategy in Wales. Hon. Members will be kept informed of developments.