§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to encourage charity shops selling clothing to young people to display warnings about drug abuse; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythWe are in favour of any initiative which effectively raises young people's awareness of the facts about drug misuse and the associated risks. The Government's consultative document on a drug strategy for 1995–98, published last month, contains new proposals to help young people to resist drugs, including publicity campaigns and support for schools in providing effective drugs education.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards slogans promoting the use of drugs appearing on clothing for young people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Government are totally opposed to the encouragement or glamorisation of drug misuse. Section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it an offence for a person to incite another to 1345W commit an offence under this Act. The investigation and prosecuting of offences is entirely a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. The decision as to whether an offence has been committed is a matter for the courts.