§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress of drugs education in Welsh schools.
§ Mr. RobertsAll maintained schools in Wales are required to provide education about drugs as part of the national curriculum.
Since 1986 education support grant has been available to fund the employment of drugs education co-ordinators, whose role was to stimulate and support the development of drugs education by schools, colleges and the youth service. From 1989–90 the co-ordinators' remit was extended to health education generally, with particular emphasis on drugs, alcohol and AIDS.
To support the work of the co-ordinators, the Department has provided grant support since 1986 for in-service training for education professionals in drug misuse. From 1990–91, this programme has also been broadened to cover health education generally.