§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of addicts in the UK using(a) class A drugs and (b) heroin in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [168723]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIt is estimated that there are 250,000 Class A problem drug users in England and Wales (Home Office Research Study 2002). Problem drug users are defined as people who use illegal drugs and experience social, psychological, physical or legal problems.
The Government is committed to tackling substance misuse and launched the updated drugs strategy in 2002. The Government is on track to meet the target in this strategy to double the number of people in treatment from 100,000 in 1998 to 200,000 by 2008 and to increase year on year the numbers retained in, or successfully completing treatment.
§ Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people from Liverpool, Walton are receiving drug treatment. [166985]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThere were 2,191 people receiving drug treatment in Liverpool in 2000–01. This is the latest available data. Data broken down by drug action team for 2001–02 and 2002–03 have not yet been finalised and published.