HC Deb 23 October 2002 vol 391 cc369-70W
Mr. Bellingham

"To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he next expects to meet representatives of the security forces to discuss measures to combat the illegal drugs trade. [74023]

Jane Kennedy

I can confirm that the Organised Crime Task Force, which I chair, next meets on 29 October. Representatives of the security forces will be in attendance and I can inform you that in the second annual threat assessment and strategy of the OCTF, which was launched on 23 May one of the areas for action is the illegal drugs trade.

Northern Ireland is not threatened by the illegal drug trade to the same degree as other parts of the UK or the Western world and it is the aim of the Government to keep it that way.