§ 22. Linda GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to help communities which are affected by crack cocaine. [119033]
§ Caroline FlintIn December 2002, the Government published the first National Crack plan. It recognises the particular problems caused by crack cocaine and the need to take specific and focused actions to address them. The Plan requires action to prevent crack use, deal with the criminality and disorder associated with it and provide appropriate treatment for those using crack. 29W That we are treating crack as a priority is illustrated by the power to close crack houses contained in the Antisocial Behaviour Bill. Premises, in particular crack houses which are venues for Class A drugs, to be supplied and used causing serious nuisance to the community and neighbours will be closed rapidly and effectively.
As a whole, the resources available to fight drugs are increasing from —1.026 million in 2002–03 to —1.483 million in 2005–06. We will ensure that in this expansion all elements of the drug strategy apply to crack, enabling:
increased activity to disrupt crack markets and close crack houses;new diversionary programmes for young people;an expansion in the quantity and improvement in the quality of crack treatment; anda raft of Criminal Justice interventions to get users into treatment.