Anti-drug Education Programme

Question Time — scottish executive – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 9 December 1999.

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Photo of Trish Godman Trish Godman Labour 2:30, 9 December 1999

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any evidence it holds on the effectiveness of its anti-drug education programme in reducing the extent of drug use among young people. (S1O-826)

Photo of Peter Peacock Peter Peacock Labour

We are continuing to evaluate the impact of schools drugs education as part of the Scottish drug strategy. We will publish the results of recent research shortly.

Photo of Trish Godman Trish Godman Labour

Will the deputy minister seek to ensure that no school will or can opt out of drug education programmes, which aim to protect children? Given his answer to my first question, can he assure us that he will continue to monitor those programmes and bring the results to the chamber regularly?

Photo of Peter Peacock Peter Peacock Labour

We want to ensure that every school participates in the drug education programme. I cannot see any good reason why any school in Scotland should exempt itself from that programme. I am happy to give an assurance that we will keep the matter firmly under review.