HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 cc89-90W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from (a) LEAs, (b) drug action teams and (c) school heads on the guidelines for drug education in secondary schools. [82269]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

The Department for Education and Skills has regular contact and consults widely with schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) to ensure that they are involved in the policy making process, and officials have discussed drug education with the Home Office, to whom drug action teams are accountable, via correspondence and at regular meetings.

In the last six months officials have received correspondence from schools and LEAs about various matters related to drugs education.

We have recently started the process of revising and consolidating Government guidance on drug, alcohol and tobacco education for schools with a view to issuing new guidance in Autumn 2003. Three pre-drafting consultation events held across the country in October, included representatives from drug action teams, LEAs and schools. We will consult widely on the draft guidance in the spring.