§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
What new funding will be made available to tackle drug-related crime. [HLI698]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonIn addition to the £220 million announced by my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget, new funding of £50 million will also be made available over the two years 2002–03 to 2003–04 to accelerate the programme to extend drug testing within the criminal justice system. The initial pilot phase of the programme is due to start in the spring.
Evidence of the effectiveness of these pilots will inform final decisions on where best to spend this new funding within the criminal justice system.