§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that adequate measures are taken in Her Majesty's prisons to end drug abuse; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe attach much importance to keeping unauthorised drugs out of prisons and are determined that all appropriate counter-measures should be taken. Methods of detecting drugs within establishments are kept continuously under review. Regular and special searches are conducted, including the use of dogs specially trained in drug detection work. The number of trained dogs has been increased. The police investigate cases where there is reason to believe that a visitor intends to smuggle drugs into an establishment. The quality of the information available centrally about the incidence of drugs in prisons has been improved. Staff training on drugs has been improved, including the production of a new training package aimed specifically at the problems and need of the prison service which was issued to all establishments last year.