PRISONS, DRUG USE

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (16:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Correctional Services a question concerning drugs in prisons.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: A submission prepared by Correctional Services recently tabled at the select committee into that department admitted that one in five prisoners were testing positive to illicit substances. The submission indicates that in 2009-10 a total of 4,210 urine tests were undertaken in prisons. On page 33, the submission admits that testing of prisoners in open custody and those applying for home detention or parole revealed 'approximately 20 per cent of samples tested positive'. The report on page 34 also notes that in 2009-10 a total of 25,119 searches were undertaken in the state's prisons, with 1,297 items of contraband being confiscated. My questions simply are:

1. What steps will the minister take to reduce drug use in our prisons?

2. Will he consider a wider role for drug detection dogs and other screening measures in order to stop drugs being available in our prisons?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (16:06): I thank the honourable member for his questions and will refer them to the Minister for Correctional Services in another place and bring back a response.

The PRESIDENT: I must remind honourable members that questions should not be raised about evidence given to a select committee until such time as that committee reports.