Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 March 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Friday, 7 March 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Drugs: Methamphetamine

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her most recent assessment is of the prevalence of crystal meth usage in England.

Answer: Indications suggest that there is very low use of methamphetamine among the general population and also among drug misusing offenders who regularly come into contact with the criminal justice system. From April this year, questions on the use of methamphetamine will be included in the British Crime Survey to monitor trends in usage among the general population. My Department is also looking at ways in which different sources of data can be reviewed to ensure that any increase in the prevalence of methamphetamine use is identified early.

Secondary information