Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ89187
- Gofynnwyd gan
- Andrew RT DaviesCeidwadwyr
- I'w ateb gan
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Cyflwynwyd
- Dyddiad ateb
- Atebwyd
- Amser i'w ateb
- 7 diwrnod
Cwestiwn
Mae'r cwestiwn a'r ateb yn Saesneg gan nad oes fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael.
What is the Welsh Government's policy on the promotion and use of drug consumption rooms in Wales?
Ateb
Atebwyd gan Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
We could not currently support Drug Consumption Rooms as a Welsh Government until there is a change in law. This is a matter for the UK Government as the facilities interact with current criminal law relating to the misuse of drugs, which is not devolved. Such facilities would face criminal offences such as the possession of controlled drugs.
It is worth noting however that the recent Home Affairs Committee Report on drugs (Drugs - Home Affairs Committee (parliament.uk)) recommended that the UK Government pilot safe consumption facilities in areas across the UK where there’s deemed to be a need by local government and stakeholders, recommending piloting a facility in Glasgow. As you will be aware, on the 27th September authorities in Glasgow approved the UK’s first official consumption room for illegal drugs. The facility has been backed by the Scottish Government as a way to tackle the country's drugs deaths crisis.
Welsh Government will be monitoring this pilot with interest, and how it impacts on drug deaths within the locality. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely on our harm reduction agenda with our Substance Misuse Area Planning Boards to ensure everything possible is being done to provide support and treatment quickly, and to reach those not currently in touch with substance misuse services.