Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 6 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 September 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 13 September 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what information he has collected on the extent of cocaine use in the Province; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has collected on the extent of cocaine use in the Province; and if he will make a statement. [187809] Angela Smith: In 2003, there were 25 registered cocaine addicts on the Drug Addicts Register while the Drug Misuse Database shows that in 2002-03, 68 persons presented for treatment citing cocaine as their main drug of misuse. In the All Ireland Drug Prevalence Survey 2002-03 1.6 per cent. of 15-64 year olds reported that they had ever used cocaine. There is growing anecdotal evidence of an increase in the use of cocaine in the club and pub setting among young adults. In light of these reports the Government have set up a small group to consider more closely the level of cocaine use in Northern Ireland with a view to informing future policy and strategy development in terms of prevention and treatment.

Secondary information