HC Deb 10 February 1999 vol 325 cc228-9W
10. Miss Melanie Johnson

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to support the parents of young people who abuse drugs. [68653]

Mr. Kilfoyle

The Government's anti-drugs strategy includes the provision of information, advice and support to parents. Support is provided day to day through the National Drugs Helpline. Locally, Drug Action Teams were asked to consult and to consider the needs of parents and carers when drawing up plans for local action.

12. Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how he intends to improve co-ordination of anti-drug measures at local level. [68655]

Mr. Kilfoyle

Drug Action Teams should take a strategic overview of anti-drugs action including resource allocation and link up with other local and regional partnerships. They have now submitted their provisional local action plans for 1999–2000. These are being assessed.

13. Mr. John Smith

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the incidence of drug misuse among people under the age of 25 years. [68656]

25. Shona McIsaac

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the incidence of drug misuse among people under the age of 25 years. [68669]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

Drugs misuse is most common among people in their teens and early twenties. About half of young people are likely to take drugs at some time in their lives, but only about one-fifth will become regular misusers, with a smaller minority developing the most serious problems.

26. Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what initiatives have been taken by the United Kingdom's anti-drugs co-ordinator to combat new trends in drugs misuse. [68670]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

The Government's anti-drug strategy, "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain", provides a framework for co-ordinated action against the range of drugs problems over ten years. Action is overseen and monitored by Keith Hellawell, to whom the local Drug Action Teams across the country have recently reported with their action plans for 1999/2000. His first annual report and national plan will be produced in the spring.