Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 November 2000. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 November 2000 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, What changes have taken place in the number of heroin deaths in the United Kingdom in the past 12 years. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures and ref to Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report "Reducing drug related deaths".

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what changes have taken place in the number of heroin deaths in the United Kingdom in the past 12 years. [139197] Mr. Ian McCartney: Due to significant changes in the way data were collected and recorded prior to 1993 it is not possible to provide direct comparisons over the last 12 years. However, in 1993 there were 254 deaths in England and Wales where heroin, or heroin and morphine, were recorded on the death certificate. For 1998 this figure has risen to 1,039. The Government are determined to reduce the number of these deaths as part of our anti-drugs strategy. We have recently announced our plans to spend some £996 million by 2003-04 tackling the root causes of drug misuse compared to the £700 million being spent this year. In addition the Government are currently considering how we can most effectively implement the recommendations contained within the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report "Reducing drug related deaths".

Secondary information