HC Deb 30 March 1998 vol 309 cc389-90W
23. Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in countering drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. [35176]

Mr. George Howarth

A new Treatment and Testing Order, included as one of the measures in the Crime and Disorder Bill, will give courts the power to require drug misusing offenders to undergo treatment. The new Order will be rigorously enforced and include the use of drug testing to enable the courts to monitor the progress of offenders at review hearings.

In addition, Ministers are considering proposals from Keith Hellawell—the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator for a new anti-drugs strategy which will be launched in the next few weeks.