§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the success of drug treatment and testing orders with reference to the HM Inspectorate of Probation Report, A long way in a short time, on the implementation of the orders. [105617]
§ Hilary Benn[holding answer 28 March 2003]: Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) work. They can get offenders off drugs and away from a life of crime and they help to relieve the misery and blight that drugs misuse causes, not only to the individuals concerned but to communities also. We very much welcome the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, which is generally very positive and recognises the efforts of the National Probation Service and its partners in ensuring that this new sentencing option is widely available and effectively delivered. The report also reflects a high level of sentencer satisfaction with the DTTO.
However, we realise there is more that needs to be done, and work has already begun to address this. With the strong foundations that now exist and the extra investment set out in the Updated Drugs Strategy we will continue to make progress.