§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his measures to tackle heroin addiction. [84298]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe Welsh Drug and Alcohol Strategy, 'Forward Together' aims to prevent the misuse of drugs and alcohol, particularly among younger people; and provide treatment, support and rehabilitation for those misusing drugs and alcohol.
The Department has established the Welsh Drug and Alcohol Unit to provide advice and support to professionals working in the field of drug and alcohol misuse, including those working with heroin users. It has funded the provision and distribution of free, bilingual, prevention resources for every age group in Wales, 478W covering alcohol and a range of drugs, including heroin. In response to the concern over the increasing use of heroin the Department funded the production of a specific heroin prevention resource, 'Brown'.
Through the 'Delivering Care, Meeting Need' initiative the Department is supporting two projects involving supervised self administration of methadone in community pharmacies in Dyfed Powys Health Authority and North Wales Health Authority. These projects should provide support to drug misusers while reducing the leakage of prescribed methadone.
The Department supports residential services to provide treatment and rehabilitation for drug and alcohol misusers. In 1999–2000 £1.5 million is being made available through a new scheme to improve access to treatment in areas of greatest need.
The UK Anti-Drugs Strategy recognises that all drugs are harmful and enforcement against illegal substances will continue. It will focus on those that cause the greatest damage, including heroin and cocaine. This will be reflected in the Welsh Strategy which is being refocused to reflect many of the key elements in the UK Anti-Drugs Strategy.
Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.