§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what stage of development the demand reduction task force, the setting up of which was announced by the Prime Minister at the world ministerial drugs summit in April, has reached.
§ Mr. MellorAn interdepartmental steering group is actively considering how to take forward this initiative and other actions following on from the summit. We hope shortly to announce how the task force will be organised and will approach its important work. In the meantime, my right hon. and learned Friend is discussing with the Secretary of State for Health where the co-ordinating group for the task force might best be located.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been set aside to help with the setting up of the demand reduction task force.
§ Mr. MellorSubject to parliamentary approval, the funding of the task force will be £257,000 in the current financial year and £500,000 in subsequent years.