§ Ms Estelle MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research has been carried out into the effects of amyl nitrate on children; and if she will publish the results.
(2) what research her Department has carried out into the extent of the use of amyl nitrate among school children.
§ Mr. BowisThe Department has not carried out any research directed specifically at the extent of the use of amyl nitrate among school children, nor are we aware of any research carried out specifically into the effects of amyl nitrate on children.
The Department gives financial support to St George's hospital medical school for its collection of statistics on deaths associated with abuse of volatile substances.
We are aware of concerns that alkyl nitrites are being misused by young people in the rave scene. Both the Government and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of 67W Drugs, an independent body of experts set up under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, are keeping the matter under review.