§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's strategy to reduce unlawful drug use. [137448]
§ Mr. StringerThe Government's 10-year strategy for tackling drug misuse, "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain", was published in 1998. The strategy is proactive and wide-ranging. It aims to create a healthy and confident society, increasingly free from the harm caused by the misuse of drugs, particularly Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
The UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator published his Annual Report for 1999–2000 on 7 November 2000. The report shows that we are making progress towards meeting the challenging targets we have set. My hon. Friend will be interested to read the written answer that my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Gapes) on 7 November 2000, Official Report, column 153W, which highlighted areas of work where the drugs strategy is having a positive impact.
Copies of the Annual Report for 1999–2000 have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.