§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in how many Crown courts live closed-circuit television links and associated equipment have been installed for the use for the purpose of taking evidence from those deemed to be vulnerable witnesses; and if he will make a statement.
Cannabis Cocaine Heroin LSD Amphetamines 1987 6 kilos 98 gms 196 gms 500 doses 630 gms 1988 12.75 kilos 2.51 gms 3.65 gms 917 doses 466.26 gms 1989 21.71 kilos 52.4 gms 25.35 gms 1,052 MST tablets 485 doses 17.80 gms 658.60 gms 1990 37.6 kilos — 2,757 MST tablets 573 doses 95.2 gms 1991 37.5 kilos 1.5 kilos herbal 88 gms 250 doses Dipipanone 1 gm Morphine ½ kilo Psilocin 800 doses 2,711 MDMA 114 gms 625 gms 25 tablets 19921 14.75 kilos 77 gms 9 gms 51 MST tablets 9,018 doses 3,325 tablets MDMA 4,668 gms 1 Up to 31 October. MST=Morphine Sulphate. MDMA=Ecstasy.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers are employed by the RUC anti-drugs team; and what increase in the number is planned.
§ Mr. MatesI am informed by the Chief Constable that the Royal Ulster Constabulary drugs squad has an establishment of 28 officers and is at full strength. There are presently no plans to increase the number of officers deployed to the squad but the resources allocated to it are reviewed regularly.
Nine of the officers presently deployed to the drugs squad are serving six-month secondments from their sub-divisions. This is part of an ongoing programme—which has involved the secondment of almost 100 officers to the drugs squad in the past five years—intended to enhance the level of drugs awareness and improve investigation techniques at sub-divisional level.
8W
Mr. John M. TaylorInstallation of live television link equipment has taken place in 41 Crown court centres to date, for the purpose of children giving evidence under the provisions of section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.