HC Deb 30 April 1998 vol 311 cc195-6W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of drug treatment orders which will be made in the first full year of operation of the orders. [40139]

Mr. George Howarth

The purpose of piloting the drug treatment and testing order in three areas will be to evaluate its cost, effectiveness, and the demand for it from the courts. It is not possible at this stage to estimate with any accuracy how many orders will be made in the first full year of operation.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of drug testing and treatment orders which will be made in each of the pilot areas under the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] in (a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000. [40138]

Mr. George Howarth

Each of the areas will receive an equal share of the funding available for the pilot and should make approximately the same number of drug treatment and testing orders. We estimate that the funds available will purchase 150–250 drug treatment and testing orders per annum, depending on the type of treatment proposed in each case. It would seem reasonable to assume that approximately one-third of these would be made in 1998–99 and two-thirds in 1999–2000.