§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning(a) measures to tackle drugs and substance abuse in Wales and (b) the provision of new money for this purpose; and if he will make a statement. [138064]
§ Mr. HansonMy right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including measures to tackle substance abuse.
I understand that the Assembly's draft budget provides for an annual increase in direct funding for drug and alcohol initiatives of £1.5 million by 2003–04. These extra resources will support measures set out in the Welsh substance misuse strategy, which was launched earlier this year.