§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will commit more resources to police forces in order to combat drug dealers who target the young operating in housing estates and outside schools. [69350]
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§ Mr. DenhamThe Government are committed to working to protect the young from any dealers who target them.
Police authorities also participate in the Government's wider drugs' strategy. Over the three years from 2001–02 to 2003–04, the Home Office has made available £220 million for the Communities Against Drugs (CAD) programme. This scheme provides for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Drugs Action Teams (DATs) to build a stronger community links and helps local communities tackle neighbourhood drugs problems and associated crime.
The communities themselves allocate the money to local projects reflecting their priorities in the fight against drugs, through education/support programmes, diversionary schemes and the disruption of the local drugs supply market. Police are involved in the partnership activities and receive financial support from the CAD programme.