§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on reducing the supply of illegal drugs in prisons. [69179]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Government are committed to the reduction of illegal drug use in prison. Our strategy is set out in "Tackling Drugs in Prison", which we launched in May 1998. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Prison Service will receive an extra £76 million over the next three financial years for its implementation.
§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visitors to prisons were found to be in possession of illegal drugs in each of the last three years for which figures are available; how many were referred to the police; what action was taken in respect of those not referred to the police; and if he will make a statement. [68958]
§ Mr. George HowarthAll visitors to prisons who are found in possession of illegal drugs are referred to the police.
In the last three years, the numbers of visitors arrested in connection with possible drug related offences are:
- 1996: 1,312
- 1997: 1,176
- 1998: 1,086.
The Prison Service does not record what action was subsequently taken by the police.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on Monday 25 January, Official Report, column 80, that he is to provide Governors with a new power to ban visitors for a specified time if they are caught bringing drugs into United Kingdom prisons.