§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his best estimate of the number of persons suffering from drug-related problems in(a) Glasgow district council area and (b) Shettleston parliamentary constituency; what additional measures he proposes to take in order to tackle the problem in both areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythBecause of the nature of the activity it is very difficult to make precise estimates of the numbers of problem drug takers. The latest estimate is that there are between 5,000 and 7,500 intravenous drug misuers in the west of Scotland (mainly Glasgow). Figures are not collected in respect of individual parliamentary constituencies.
The Government remain committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse throughout Scotland and a wide range of positive measures have already been taken or are in hand. A further stage of the Government's information and education campaign against drug misuse in Scotland was launched on 1 February. From 1987–88 the total sum set aside in the health programme in Scotland specifically for the support of drug misuse services is over £1 million per annum. The sum allocated to Greater Glasgow health board under these arrangements in 1987–88 is £392,615. This is a major contribution to the encouragement and assistance of these services. The provision of such services is, however, primarily the responsibility of health boards and local authorities.