Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2003. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what visits Home Office ministers have made to (a) Sweden and (b) the Netherlands to look at drugs treatment in the last five years. - (Holding answer 13 June 2003).

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what visits Home Office Ministers have made to (a) Sweden and the (b) Netherlands to look at drugs treatment in the last five years. [119329] Caroline Flint: [holding answer 13 June 2003]: My hon. Friend former parliamentary Under-Secretary with responsibility for co-ordination of National Anti- Drugs Strategy (Bob Ainsworth) had informal discussions with a Dutch official last autumn to inform him about the operation of the Dutch coffee shop policy. No other Home Office Minister has been to Sweden or the Netherlands to look at drugs treatment there during the last five years. However, Home Office Ministers are very familiar with drug policies and practice in those countries through frequent contacts with ministerial colleagues there and through advice from officials and others who keep in close touch with developments.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 119329; 407 c151W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Drugs Medical treatments Misuse Ministers Sweden Visits abroad Netherlands
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk