§ Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research was undertaken during the preparation of the current Health Education Authority drugs campaign; and what measurement is being made of the campaign's efficiency; [27422]
(2) how the subject drugs were chosen for inclusion in the Health Education Authority's current drug campaign. [27423]
§ Mr. BowisThe Health Education Authority commissioned a survey of young people between 11 and 35 years old, which addressed prevalence, settings and attitudes to drug misuse to inform the content and tone of publicity campaigns, including what specific drugs or groups might be targeted. The summary research findings was published on 3 May. The effectiveness of the publicity campaigns will be evaluated and monitored by pre and post testing of each stage of the campaign and by further annual surveys of young people.
The drugs chosen for the Health Education Authority's current publicity campaign—ecstasy, LSD and speed—were those most commonly associated with young people and the "dance scene". The publicity campaign aims to inform both young people and parents about the health effects and risks of the drugs and is being promoted on the radio, in the youth press, and women's magazines.