Examination of Witnesses (Questions 140
- 141)
TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2002
MR IAN
BLAIR AND
MR JOHN
BURBECK
140. Thank you. Mr Blair?
(Mr Blair) My point was really to emphasise what I
think is the most important issue that I raised in front of you,
which is the issue around drugs. I noticed how you responded to
the issue of whether the treatment was available. That is an important
point. I would not want to see the legislation delayed in its
consideration by the House about that point. If we had the legislation
we would, I hope, with cross-government support be able to deliver
the resources to the areas of most significant strain. There is
no question that that figure from Hackney, that level of opiate
and morphine abuse among criminals is a problem which we have
to address. I would really want to be saying that if there is
any part of the legislation that is around that, that we say of
course we have to have the resources available to offer that piece,
but we must press on with that legislation.
141. You could put that condition in. You could
say "Subject to availability".
(Mr Blair) Absolutely.
Chairman: Thank you gentlemen. You have
been extremely helpful. You have given us plenty to think about.
I look forward to seeing you again some time in the future. The
session is closed.
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