§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is yet in a position to make a statement about the further action to be encouraged within the education service aimed at preventing the misuse of drugs.
§ Sir Keith JosephAs I am announcing separately today, this is one of the activities which I am proposing should be eligible for education support grants in 1986–87. The money available should be sufficient to allow every local education authority to appoint or second a member of staff at a suitable level to stimulate or co-ordinate action aimed at the prevention of drugs misuse or to take other suitable action in the light of local circumstances. The grant is intended also to cover overheads and operating expenses. The action should lead to increased advice and support for schools and colleges, more training for their staff, and improved co-ordination with the work of other local agencies. Over two years the grants would support expenditure of some £4 million.