HEROIN is being used by ever younger children, Congleton MP told fellow MPs at the House of Commons.

Mrs Winterton said drug taking was increasing, and everyone faced an enormous task in controlling and cutting drugs on the streets.

Her comments came as she spoke for the Opposition in a drugs debate in the House of Commons.

''The use of heroin in particular is rising, and the fact it is being abused by younger and younger children concerns us all,'' she said.

''Support and co-operation are required from us all to ensure the lives of future generations are not blighted by the scourge of drugs.

''The lives of law-abiding citizens must not be blighted by drug-related crime, and the Opposition pledges its support in the battle.''

Mrs Winterton challenged the government to show evidence that its anti-drugs strategy was having any effect in combating the problem of drugs.

She also raised the issue of funding for drug prevention and treatment programmes.

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