RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION FOR DRUG OFFENDERS

That this House is concerned about the level of Class A drug use; notes that a high percentage of crime, particularly acquisitive crime, is committed by Class A drug addicts who offend in order to fund their addiction; acknowledges the principle that a cured drug addict is better than a punished one; recognises that drug residential rehabilitation places are more effective and cheaper than prison; and calls on the Government to increase the number of residential rehabilitation beds available, to provide proper funding for this purpose, and to encourage courts to make use of them when sentencing.