§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are under way to combat illegal drug use in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Government have a comprehensive strategy for tackling drug misuse. The objective is to attack the problem by simultaneous action on five main fronts:
- Reducing supplies from abroad.
- Making enforcement even more effective.
- Maintaining effective deterrents and tight domestic controls.
- Developing prevention.
- Improving treatment and rehabilitation.
The Welsh Office has specific responsibility for the last two in Wales, but does take a close interest in the others.
Services are provided on a multi-agency basis by statutory and voluntary organisations, many of which are funded through their district health authority from the central funding initiative, providing a wide range of interventions and prevention campaigns.
Advice on an all-Wales basis is provided to the Department, and to local agencies by the Welsh Committee on Drug Misuse which was established in 1986.