§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools had policies on drug education in line with his Department's guidance at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [87440]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe latest figures, which are provided by Ofsted following a survey in 1997, show that 86 per cent. of secondary schools and 61 per cent. of primary schools have drug education policies. We strongly encourage those schools who have not developed an agreed policy to join those who have already taken that step. Our drug education good practice guidance, issued in November last year, provides important advice on the value of schools developing such policies and guidance on the key components for those policies.