Written question asked by Archie Norman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of provision in prisons of sniffer dogs for the purpose of preventing drug use. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the adequacy of provision in prisons of sniffer dogs for the purpose of preventing drug use. [98521] Hilary Benn: The availability of specialist drug dogs within the Prison Service has increased significantly following investment from the Comprehensive Spending Review 1997 and Spending Review 2000. All prisons now have access to both active and passive drug dogs. There are currently 261 active drug dogs and 212 passive drug dogs deployed across the Prison Service.

Secondary information