Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 January 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 10 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the drugs intervention programme.

Answer: Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Drug Interventions Programme. [205235] Caroline Flint: The Drug Interventions Programme (formerly Criminal Justice Interventions Programme) is a critical part of the Government's national strategy for tackling drugs. The programme aims to make the most of opportunities provided by the criminal justice system to get drug misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment. The "intensive" elements of the Drug Interventions Programme are currently operational in 66 police basic command units (47 DATs) with high levels of acquisitive crime. In 2005-06 we will expand the intensive elements of the programme to a further 32 basic command units. These elements include testing for Class A drugs following charge for certain offences and in a number of areas restriction on court bail for those who have tested positive. The programme will be enhanced by measures to be included in the Drugs Bill, introduced to Parliament on 16 December 2004. Early evidence shows that acquisitive crime is falling faster in Drug Interventions Programme areas than non-programme areas.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 205235; 429 c294W;429 c294-5W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crime prevention Drugs Rehabilitation Drug interventions programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk