HC Deb 11 December 2001 vol 376 cc836-7W
Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Drug Abstinence Order pilots began in each pilot area; how many Orders have been(a) commenced and (b) breached in each area; and if he will make a statement. [21640]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth

Piloting of the Drug Abstinence Order (DAO) began on 5 November in Staffordshire, Nottingham and Hackney.

As of 6 December, one DAO has been commenced in each pilot area. No DAO has been breached.

The courts have only had this sentencing option available to them for one month, and it is too early to draw any conclusions at this stage. An interim evaluation report is due in spring 2002, copies of which will be placed in the Library.

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