HC Deb 08 April 1998 vol 310 cc315-6W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what were the costs of(a) anti-drugs education initiatives and (b) other drugs reduction initiatives in each of the past 14 years; and what are the expected costs of similar campaigns in each of the next five years. [38359]

Mr. Win Griffiths

Information on expenditure on anti-drugs education and other drug reduction initiatives in each of the past 14 years is not held centrally. Similarly, the costs of any similar campaigns in each of the next five years are unlikely to be available from a central source.

In 1997–98 the Department spent £1 million on combating drug and alcohol misuse, £500,000 of which was used to operate the Welsh Drug and Alcohol Unit, £100,000 to support Drug and Alcohol Action Teams and the remainder was used towards other drug and alcohol initiatives.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what anti-drugs education campaigns in Wales in the last 10 years resulted in a measurable reduction in drug use; how many people were involved; and over what period they were undertaken. [38360]

Mr. Win Griffiths

This information is not available in the form requested. However, there is evidence that anti-drugs education campaigns are effective in reducing drug misuse. For example, positive results in delaying the onset of illegal drug use were demonstrated in "Project Charlie" (Home Office report). this used multi-faceted interventions which addressed knowledge, skills and attitudes within the context of a range of background factors such as price, availability, peer pressure, curiosity, incomes, unemployment, life events etc.

In Wales we are now implementing a more multi-faceted campaign strategy which does not propose one message or concentrate on one drug. Rather, using the Strategic Prevention Action Plan launched in November and being implemented from April 1998, the campaign focuses on different target groups in a multitude of settings and incorporating the following new approaches:

exploring relevant and appropriate messages for young people concerning health, social, legal and environmental risks;using up-to-date and bilingual materials which have been designed and field-tested to reflect local concerns and issues;proposing and supporting interventions for those who are considered 'at risk'.