HC Deb 17 February 1989 vol 147 cc407-8W
Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to seek to eliminate the use of needles and halt the market in illegal drugs, needles and syringes in prisons by the introduction of treatment facilities to replace injectable illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The possibility of a history of drugs misuse is one of the factors that medical officers inquire into during the course of their examination of inmates being received into prison custody. Staff are particularly watchful for signs that illicit drugs have been injected. The nature and extent of medical help offered is determined by the medical officer's clinical assessment of the individual case. Counter-measures have been taken to tackle the smuggling and misuse of illicit drugs and implements, and further steps are under consideration.