§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken in Wales to inform young people of the dangers of anabolic steroids; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThere are a number of initiatives, both at a local and national level, within Wales informing young people and others of the dangers of using anabolic steroids.
In 1990 the Welsh Committee on Drug Misuse identified an increasing problem related to the use of anabolic steroids and initiated action to bring the problem to the attention of practitioners. This resulted in pioneering research and pilot prevention programmes being undertaken in West Glamorgan.
Most activity is now undertaken through local health and education authorities. In addition the Sports Council for Wales has recently launched an initiative warning about the use of banned drugs in sport, and this includes anabolic steroids. Part of this initiative will be targeted specifically at schools.
For those individuals who are already involved in steroid misuse, there is advice available on the dangers and on safer practices, including the availability of clean needles and syringes for those who inject their drugs.