Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 March 2001. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 March 2001 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, What analysis she has made of changes in the level of use of (a) heroin and (b) cocaine by young people since 1997. (Failed OPQ) - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what analysis she has made of changes in the level of use of (a) heroin and (b) cocaine by young people since 1997. [153314] Mr. Ian McCartney: Figures from the British Crime Survey show that the use of heroin remained steady between 1996 and 1998 with fewer than 0.5 per cent. of 16 to 24-year-olds using it in the last year. However, for cocaine there was an increase from 1 per cent. in 1996 to 3 per cent. in 1998. For the 11-15 age group heroin use has also remained steady between 1998 and 1999 with fewer than 0.5 per cent. of young people using it in the last year. Cocaine use also remained steady between 1998 and 1999 with 1 per cent. of 11 to 15-year-olds using it in the last year. We have set challenging targets to halve the numbers of young people using illegal drugs by 2008 and have recently announced an extra £152 million package from April 2001 to March 2004 for spending on education, prevention and treatment services for young people. There is concern about young people's involvement with drugs, crack in particular. The Southwark DAT have commissioned further work, borough wide, to explore young people's drug use and their involvement in drug dealing in more depth to inform the future development of services.

Secondary information