§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much has been allocated for drug misuse education programmes in schools in each of the last five years. [40945]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department made specific central support available to local education authorities for drug prevention and education work through the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) programme from 1995–96. Approximately £6 million was made available to support LEAs' drug education initiatives, including teacher training and innovative projects, each year up to 1997–98. Increased support of £7 million is being made available this financial year, through the Standards Fund programme, to assist primary and secondary schools and the youth service in delivering effective education about drugs. Other programmes in schools may be financed locally or from other sources.