Chamber
Plenary, 11 May 2000
11 May 2000 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Drugs Action Plan
In my statement, I made it clear that we will launch the national drug misuse research programme in the summer. That programme is drawn up not by the Executive, but by a research sub-group of the Scottish advisory committee on drug misuse, in which the Executive participates but which encompasses a range of experts from outwith the Executive. We want far more detailed, accurate and up-to-date research into what is happening on the ground, to inform our perspective on the nature and shape of the different types of drug misuse problem in Scotland, and to inform the organisations on the ground better about the nature of the problem that they face, so that they can shape their services to deal with it.
I will give one example. I said that we were likely to prioritise the issue of how young people start to smoke heroin and then move to injecting the drug. That raises questions about how the drugs market operates. We know that it is a lucrative and aggressive business, and that dealers are keen to push cannabis to young children, because they can do that relatively easily. It is short step for them to move young people on from smoking cannabis to smoking heroin, which is considerably more addictive. Issues of that sort need to be researched. We need to know exactly what the mechanics of the trade are.
I will give one example. I said that we were likely to prioritise the issue of how young people start to smoke heroin and then move to injecting the drug. That raises questions about how the drugs market operates. We know that it is a lucrative and aggressive business, and that dealers are keen to push cannabis to young children, because they can do that relatively easily. It is short step for them to move young people on from smoking cannabis to smoking heroin, which is considerably more addictive. Issues of that sort need to be researched. We need to know exactly what the mechanics of the trade are.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
The first item of business is a statement by Angus MacKay on the drugs action plan. The minister will take questions at the end of the statement, so there sh...
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Angus MacKay):
Lab
In January, we debated fully Scotland's drug problem and how the Executive, drug action teams, public bodies and communities in Scotland could combine to tac...
Fiona Hyslop (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
On behalf of the Scottish National party, I welcome the minister's statement, particularly the tone of his language and the emphasis that he placed on preven...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
A substantial amount of the £27 million additional expenditure is now being put into use in the field. The £2 million which I announced today—£1 million for ...
Mrs Lyndsay McIntosh (Central Scotland) (Con):
Con
I associate myself with some of Fiona Hyslop's comments and thank the minister for the courtesy of his statement. In the debate in January, we said that we w...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
The Executive has sought to stress at every opportunity that we want to follow a balanced strategy that will put proper enforcement measures in place but whi...
Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD):
LD
Like other members, I welcome the direction of the minister's statement, but the proof of a strategy is in its effective implementation. I especially welcome...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
The thrust of my announcement today is to emphasise that we are looking closely at the treatment and rehabilitation side of the equation. We recognise that, ...
Dr Richard Simpson (Ochil) (Lab):
Lab
I join my colleagues in welcoming the minister's statement as yet another step along the way to developing an effective strategy to deal with a problem that ...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
I was taken slightly by surprise by Dr Simpson's final comments. Dr Simpson raised a number of important issues, and I welcome his comments on social inclusi...
Roseanna Cunningham (Perth) (SNP):
SNP
I add my voice to the general welcome for the statement. In particular, I welcome the minister's phrase: "Treatment benefits drug misusers and cuts drug-rela...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
I had some interesting experiences when I was present at the drug court, one of which was the judge inviting me to join him at the bar while he was hearing c...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
Without making a sour point, I am slightly disappointed by the minister's words. Perhaps that is based on the fact that I recognise the minister's commitment...
Ms Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
On a point of order.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Yes. I know the point of order; I am listening carefully. You must ask a question, Mr Gallie.
Phil Gallie:
Con
All right. What funding is necessary for the job support scheme that the minister envisages?I go along with Dr Simpson's comments on prisons. When—and in wha...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
I think that I mentioned in my statement, and certainly in reply to an earlier question, that the revamped Scottish Prison Service strategy for tackling drug...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
We will now have a model question from Margo MacDonald.
Ms MacDonald:
SNP
I will do what other folk have not done: I will ask a question. Will the minister explain exactly what the strategy is for the drugs action plan? As Richard ...
Phil Gallie:
Con
On a point of order.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
No. Laughter.
Ms MacDonald:
SNP
Can the minister say this week whether he is satisfied that the research and evidence that is produced for him and on which he builds his strategy is suffici...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
I am not sure whether Margo MacDonald was present for the whole debate.
Ms MacDonald:
SNP
I was.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Yes, she was.
Angus MacKay:
Lab
In my statement, I made it clear that we will launch the national drug misuse research programme in the summer. That programme is drawn up not by the Executi...
Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab):
Lab
I thank the minister for his statement. I welcome especially his comments on involving and listening to communities. Having visited DATs around Scotland, is ...
Angus MacKay:
Lab
If I were to single out one drug action team that has been more effective than others in involving communities and user groups, it would be the Glasgow drug ...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I apologise to members who have not been called. I have allowed considerable latitude because of the importance of the topic, but I must protect this morning...