TORIES DEMAND EXTRA MONEY TO FIGHT RISING DRUG PROBLEM (20/05/02)

Conservatives on Somerset County Council have asked their MPs to lobby Government for extra funding to fight the rapidly growing drug culture in Somerset.

A recent report indicates that drug use in the South West has doubled.

David Heathcoat-Amory MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, and Adrian Flook MP, are united in supporting this lobby.

David Heathcoat-Amory MP commented, 'I am extremely concerned that illegal drug use in Somerset is increasing. We need to re-establish control of the UK's boarders to cut the supply of dangerous drugs.

‘I am tabling a Parliamentary question to find out why the Customs effort at Bristol port and airport has not been stepped up to counter the known increase in drug imports.'

Colin Hill, Deputy Conservative leader, and County Councillor for Minehead, said, ‘Drugs are becoming an increasing problem in Somerset. In particular, drug pushers target our coastal and market towns.

‘For a long time now, there has been a steady decline in the traditional holiday season. This, coupled with the fact that there is substantial unemployment in these coastal areas, has made them drug hotspots.

‘The Conservative group are pleased to have the support of our Somerset Conservative MPs. We must lobby Government for extra money to fight this malady. With additional funding, we can appoint more customs officers to stem the flow of drugs into Somerset.

‘Drugs is an issue which will not go away unless adequate funding is put into stemming it. It is an issue that not only affects those directly involved with drugs. All residents of Somerset are affected through violence and crime, with which drugs are often associated.

‘I hope that Government will listen to our MPs and take this matter seriously.’