HC Deb 21 March 2001 vol 365 cc273-4W
8. Mr. Edwards

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement about the Government's anti-drugs strategy. [153308]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's Annual Report for 1999–2000 shows that we are making progress towards meeting the challenging targets we have set as part our 10-year anti-drugs strategy.

Colleagues in Wales have launched "Tackling Substance Misuse in Wales: A Partnership approach". This reflects many of the key elements of the UK anti-drugs strategy but also covers the full range of substances misused in Wales, including alcohol.

We announced significant additional investment for targeted action in England and in the Budget. Similar provision is being made in Wales. National Assembly plans for 2002–03 and 2003–04 also provide for increases of £1 million and £1.5 million respectively. This represents nearly 60 per cent. increase in direct expenditure by the Assembly to combat substance misuse.

10. Dr. Iddon

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent meetings she has had with her counterparts in other countries on anti-drugs initiatives. [153310]

Marjorie Mowlam

One of the four key aims of the Government's drugs strategy is to reduce the availability of Class A drugs in the UK.

Progress is being achieved through co-ordinated interdepartmental activity on agreed priorities, resulting in increased seizures of heroin and cocaine en-route to the UK and increased disruption of criminal groups involved in trafficking.

The UK is also active in international forums, including the UN, G8 and EU, aimed at strengthening the global framework for tackling the illicit drugs trade.

15. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's anti-drugs policy. [153316]

Marjorie Mowlam

The Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's Annual Report for 1999–2000 shows that we are making progress towards meeting the challenging targets we have set as part our 10-year anti-drugs strategy.

We recognise the particular importance of tackling the problem at local level and that there is more to do. That is why we announced in the Budget significant additional investment for targeted action at local level.

This will give the Wirral Drugs Action Team an opportunity to work with local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships to help local communities disrupt local drug markets and tackle drug related crime and the anti-social behaviour so often associated with it.

23. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions she has had with the Government's Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator on trends in the number of deaths from class A drugs since the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. [153327]

Marjorie Mowlam

I hold regular meetings with the Government's Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator to discuss all aspects of the Government's anti-drug strategy, including the changes in the deaths from Class A drugs.