§ 22. Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what contribution is made by drug action teams to the delivery of the Government's drugs strategy. [120459]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyDrug Action Teams (DATs) have a crucial role in the delivery of the National Drugs Strategy. They are the main mechanism for delivery on the ground, they work as a local partnership of the agencies involved in tackling drugs such as, Probation, Health, Education, Police Authorities and Local Authorities. DATs are required to plan and deliver an effective programme of activities for drugs which supports the National Strategy. DATs identify gaps in their provision and seek to address this. They assess what is being done in their area under each aim of the strategy, what is being spent and by whom and monitor the success of local initiatives.