§ 39. Mr. RathboneTo ask the Lord President of the Council what recent consultations he has had with ministerial colleagues about the implementation of "Tackling Drugs Together"; and if he will make a statement. [13065]
§ Mr. NewtonI have received regular progress reports on the implementation of "Tackling Drugs Together" from ministerial colleagues. I am pleased to say that all Departments are on track with their major White Paper commitments. For example, the Department of Health has launched a £5 million per annum publicity strategy, run by the Health Education Authority; the Department for Education and Employment has disseminated guidance on drugs issues to all schools; and all criminal justice agencies have completed their operational reviews and are on track to produce their drug strategies in line with the White Paper. In addition, 105 drug action teams have been set up across England to tackle the drugs problem at local level, and have submitted their first plans.