§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on action being taken to combat glue sniffing.
§ Mrs. CurrieI have been asked to reply.
A number of measures have been taken in line with the Government's policy of education, persuasion, and the encouragement of local initiatives including:
— the production of "Illusions", a training film for professional workers in health, social services, education etc;— the production of leaflets for parents and professionals by the Health Education Council;— the issue of guidelines on voluntary restraint in retail sales of solvent based products to young people;— the enaction of Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 which makes it an offence to supply a substance to someone under 18 if it is done in the knowledge or belief that the substance is likely to be used to achieve intoxification.Finally, the Department of Trade and Industry is cosponsoring a video training film for retailers and their staff giving guidance on the sale of products likely to be sniffed.